The first week of the 2024-25 NHL season has concluded for the Chicago Blackhawks as they continue their season-beginning road-trip.
Throughout three games, the Blackhawks posted a record of 1-1-1 after games against the Utah Hockey Club, Winnipeg Jets, and Edmonton Oilers.
Throughout three games, the Blackhawks have shown that they are already more competitive than they were last season.
Despite a sluggish start to their season opener in Utah, the team bounced back and controlled play for most of the remainder of the game, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Looking for a more complete effort, the Blackhawks went into Winnipeg against a strong Jets team and held them scoreless until the last minute of the game. Both goaltenders were fantastic as the Blackhawks fell in overtime after two goals by Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele.
That strong effort led the Blackhawks into Edmonton to face the Stanley Cup runner-ups from last season. This time, the offense clicked as the team rallied for five goals and an excellent team effort throughout for a 5-2 victory.
Here are three takeaways from the Blackhawks' first week of the season...
A strong start from Vlasic
After his breakout rookie season last year, many are now looking toward Alex Vlasic as becoming a future core piece of the Blackhawks roster.
Vlasic has been shuffled around during the games so far, normally starting the games on a pair with TJ Brodie but eventually being reunited with Seth Jones. Last year's top pair of Jones and Vlasic still seems to be the best on the team and has resulted in better play from both defenders.
In the first three games, Vlasic has two assists and has been showing more confidence to jump into the play on offense.
Despite being more of a shut-down defender, Vlasic's confidence to make plays is evident in how he's started the season. The young defender is looking more comfortable and seems to be benefiting from the added talent on the roster.