3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks loss to Wild
By Thomas Erbe
Lukas Reichel did not suit up for the Blackhawks on Sunday
Left wing Lukas Reichel was not in the lineup for the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, going down in the books as a “healthy scratch.” We all know what this is code for – he was benched.
Reichel’s 2023-2024 season has not gone as he nor the Blackhawks have planned. With Connor Bedard coming in, the idea was that these two would develop together and turn into a tandem force to be reckoned with. Bedard is doing his part, but Reichel is falling behind.
Lukas Reichel will be a healthy scratch for the Blackhawks today.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) December 3, 2023
Richardson: “I’m sure he’s disappointed, but we need more from him… When there’s an opportunity like Beauvillier not being available, it should be him that has that opportunity, so we’re disappointed as well.”
Reichel had played in every game up to this point and has only been able to notch 2 goals and 4 assists on the campaign. and a -17 plus/minus rating, the lowest on the roster.
Today was hopefully a chance for Reichel to take a step back, watch the game from a new perspective, and see how much this team can improve as a whole by taking the steps to improve on his own. This is far from a permanent move, as this year is all about development. These guys need to be in the games and competing on a nightly basis. I fully expect to see Reichel back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Predators.