The Chicago Blackhawks lost despite a fantastic goaltending effort

The Chicago Blackhawks are now 0-2-0 on the 2022-23 season after dropping their first two games of the season. Now, we all knew they were going to be bad. They are openly trying to tank so that they can rebuild the long slow way.

They also opened with the Colorado Avalanche who are the defending Stanley Cup Champions with most of their team back. In this loss, they were facing the Vegas Golden Knights who might give the Avs a run for their money this year when it comes to the playoffs.

Despite being outclassed in almost every way by Vegas, they only lost 1-0. Vegas’s goaltender Logan Thompson played excellent as he earned the shutout victory with 27 saves on 27 shots. There were some high-danger chances for Chicago in this one.

The Blackhawks also got magnificent goaltending as well. In fact, you can argue that Alex Stalock’s performance was even better as he is playing on a worse team that allows better chances to better players.

Alex Stalock was incredible in the Chicago Blackhawks’ loss on Thursday night.

He made 36 saves on 37 shots. The one goal, the only tally for either team, was a goal scored by Paul Cotter (assisted by Zach Whitecloud). It wasn’t exactly Jack Eichel or Mark Stone that got the best of Stalock. Those guys had their chances but Stalock said no.

This isn’t your traditional NHL goaltender. He isn’t really steady in the net so watching him play is a wild ride. He is very active in the blue paint which isn’t very common amongst goalies anymore but it works for him from time to time.

He will have his stinkers but he might be better than some people realize. The Hawks don’t plan to win much this season which is why they are fine with the Petr Mrazek/Alex Stalock duo but some nights will see him play like this.

It is nice that the Hawks had someone play well on a night that they still ended up losing. They certainly want to (deep down inside) lose as many games as they can for the best draft odds. But nights like this might make Stalock attractive to contending teams that need a solid backup goalie.

Going forward, the Hawks need their offense to produce some offense to at least be a respectable last-place team. They didn’t get it in this one which is why Stalock’s effort was all for not when it comes to the win column.

Their next chance to get that first win will come on Saturday night when they visit the San Jose Sharks which will end their road trip to begin the season.