Chicago Blackhawks: 3 takeways versus the Wild

The Chicago Blackhawks lost a tough one tonight against the Minnesota Wild. They had plenty of chances to win, but couldn’t finish the deal.

The Chicago Blackhawks lost a tough game in overtime to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. It was the Blackhawks’ fourth straight overtime game to start the season. The Blackhawks had plenty of chances to put this game away but failed to do so. Some major takeaways from last night’s game:

No. 1: Alex Debrincat is coming, and the NHL better be ready

First of all, let’s talk about the positives. Alex Debrincat looks to be everything the Blackhawks hoped he would be this year and much more. Debrincat had two goals and an assist in this one and was all over the ice on offense, creating chances for himself as well as his line mates.

He has seemingly gelled perfectly with Jonathan Toews and that line has been by far the most effective for the Blackhawks so far. If he keeps up this type of play, he may easily pass my pre-season goal prediction of 34, which is certainly exciting for Blackhawks.

The defense may be worse then we thought, which is scary

This is where it turns negative. This defense is absolutely horrible. They are constantly out of position and caught flat footed. Brent Seabrook looks incredibly slow and got beat on multiple puck battles as well.

Duncan Keith was also caught out of position on the game-winning goal and got beat to the net on the game-tying goal late in regulation. Keith, who has played well so far this season, did not look great in this game.

The only bright spot on defense was Henri Jokiharju. Jokiharju continues to impress everyone and be responsible in his own zone. He looks comfortable running the power play as well. The unit looked great with him on it tonight. He should be the Blackhawks’ number one defenseman if he keeps this up.

Cam Ward was outstanding

Cam Ward caught a lot of flack after Sunday’s brutal performance and rightfully so. However,  Ward was the reason this was even a close game tonight. Ward made countless saves that he had no business making. He saved the tails of Blackhawks defense men all night long  and deserved to win this game.

Ward stopped all 16 shots in the first period and helped the Blackhawks get off to a quick start. He continued to play well and give them chance after chance to seal the win. It’s a shame he won’t get the win on his record tonight because he truly deserved it based solely on his performance.

Going forward that Blackhawks should feel confident in Ward as a No. 2 goalie and he should form a good duo with Corey Crawford when he returns.

The Blackhawks will continue their season Saturday when they take on the St. Louis Blues at home, and they’ll also celebrate Duncan Keith’s 1000th game.