Dominik Kubalik Shines in Blackhawks 2nd Preseason Game

Dominik Kubalik shines for the Chicago Blackhawks in their 2nd preseason game against the Red Wings.

For the second straight night, the Chicago Blackhawks had a true standout from their preseason game. In game one, it was Alexander Nylander, and in the second game, it was Dominik Kubalik.

Kubalik was even more dominant than Nylander, with two big-time goals in a game where the Blackhawks were pretty well dominated by the Detroit Red Wings.

Outshot 39 to 25, the Blackhawks, with more NHL caliber players in their lineup, looked to be the more interested team of the two.

Even so, Kubalik stuck out with his solid net-front presence goal on a big rebound from Calvin Pickard, but the second goal is all anyone can talk about in Blackhawks’ land.

Talk about a booming shot that draws comparisons to Alexander Ovechkin’s one-timer.

Now, no one expects Kubalik to be the next Ovechkin, but he has the skills that will add another dimension to the Blackhawks’ offense.

For example, Kubalik would be able to bolster the Blackhawks’ second power-play unit that was anemic last season.

With the injection of more skilled players like Kubalik, it can only make their special teams more dangerous.

Looking at the skill that Nylander and Kubalik could bring to this lineup, which was extremely dependent on the likes of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Alex DeBrincat in 2018-19, the Blackhawks could have an even higher power offense than they had last season.

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While there is no guarantee that either will pan out, with Nylander struggling as a professional and Kubalik entering his first year in North America, the play by both in the first two preseason games is extremely encouraging.

With this wealth of other offensive weapons like Aleksi Saarela, Dylan Sikura, and Philipp Kurashev also vying for a roster spot, there will be no shortage of offensive options at the Blackhawks disposal.

Even if Nylander and Kubalik do not become the top-nine forwards they are hoping for, the Chicago Blackhawks have more talent waiting in the wings. This kind of competition can only help propel this Blackhawks team to the next level.