3 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0 preseason loss to the St. Louis Blues

The Chicago Blackhawks wrapped up their 2025-26 preseason campaign with a 4-0 shutout loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. Chicago had a solid opening frame but let its foot off the gas pedal in the second and third period. Here are three key takeaways from the game:

1. Blues Dominate in Puck Possession and Special Teams

The St. Louis Blues were in control all game. The Blackhawks struggled to maintain momentum and were unable to generate offensive pressure. Despite a solid first period, where they successfully killed off penalties and kept themselves in the game, the Blues had a strong, assertive second period. They scored goals from Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, Milan Lucic, and Robert Thomas, all redirect tip-ins.

Special teams were a key difference-maker. Despite the Blackhawks finishing 2-for-3 on the penalty kill, their power play failed to capitalize, going 0-for-3 on the man advantage.

A key stat from this was where the Blues outshot the Blackhawks 31-18 in the game and 20-8 in the second period alone.

2. Blackhawks Got to Find Their Rhythm on Special Teams

The Blackhawks have arguably one of the best special teams for a young, rebuilding roster (Blackhawks, Ducks, Sharks, Canadiens). They ranked 7th on the power play and 14th in the penalty kill last season. But in their game against the Blues, their special teams failed to click.

The Hawks did not sustain any offensive pressure or get quality scoring chances in the loss. They finished 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Blues finished 1-for-3. St. Louis' power play goal came from Otto Stenberg, who found the loose puck in a net-front scramble. Their penalty kill dominated against the Blackhawks.

3. AHL Performance Leaves Blackhawks Playing Catch-Up

The Blackhawks' preseason finale lineup mainly consisted of AHL players from the Rockford IceHogs. Their NHL guys had a day off to rest for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The Blackhawks looked slow overall, especially in the second and third periods.

While the first period was an even, fair matchup with the Blackhawks managing to keep the game scoreless, the Blues ran away with it in the middle frame and continued that play in the third period. Despite some strong defensive plays from players like Kevin Korchinski, they struggled to generate sustained offensive pressure.

The Blackhawks' lack of speed and momentum was the main reason they lost. Redirections, deflections, and odd goals were a consistent theme throughout the night. Landon Slaggert, who left the game for the Blackhawks, is day-to-day, according to head coach Jeff Blashill, per Mario Tirabassi on the CHGO Blackhawks podcast. Good news for the Hawks is that Alex Vlasic, who was out with a lower-body injury after a skate cut in the Blackhawks' 4-1 win against the Wild on Sep. 30, will make the team trip to Sunrise on Sunday.

With the preseason now officially over, the Blackhawks have work to do (special teams, consistent offensive pressure, signs of improvement to open up the season, etc) as they prepare for their season opener against the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

Puck drop is set for Tuesday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m. CST on ESPN and ESPN+.