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3 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks' preseason opener

By Ethan Gawronski |
Detroit Red Wings v Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings v Chicago Blackhawks / Michael Reaves/GettyImages
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Wednesday night (September 25th) saw the Chicago Blackhawks open their preseason against the Detroit Red Wings.

Despite the game not being televised, fans watching in-person and on the team website were able to see some of the Blackhawks offseason additions in-action for the first time.

Many of the newly added free agents saw time during Wednesday's game such as Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi, who both were on the top line alongside Connor Bedard.

However, the opposition saw many familiar faces make a return to Chicago. Five of the Red Wings players had once been with the Blackhawks organization including Alex DeBrincat, Erik Gustafson, Olli Maata, Tyler Motte, and Justin Holl who was a former Blackhawks draft pick.

In the 4-2 Red Wings win, four of those former Blackhawks contributed on the scoresheet. DeBrincat and Gustafson each tallied an assist while Motte and Maata each scored a goal.

However, that is not to say there weren't positives from the Blackhawks. Certain players stood out specifically throughout the game, leaving many feeling very optimistic about what can be achieved this season and in the future.

These are three takeaways from the Blackhawks preseason opener

Bedard and Teravainen's Connection

Throughout training camp, Connor Bedard saw time skating primarily in-between Tyler Bertuzzi and Taylor Hall on the team's top line. That would change against Detroit, as Hall's spot was swapped with Teuvo Teravainen.

Bedard and Teravainen combined for a goal in the second period off a backhand shot from Teravainen in his return to the United Center.

Both players created chances in the offensive zone at 5-on-5 and on the powerplay, showing that their high hockey-IQ could be a good match for each other.

Bedard, specifically, looks even stronger than he did last season. He looked very confident with the puck on his stick and seems more poised in his game. Now that the overall skill on the roster is up, the chances to score should increase much more for the star center.

It is possible that Taylor Hall regains his spot on the top line once the regular season begins, but the early returns on Bedard and Teravainen look promising for the Blackhawks' offense.

AJ Spellacy stands out

When he was drafted by the Blackhawks in the third round of this past NHL draft, many said that AJ Spellacy could be a potential steal for the team.

His debut in a Blackhawks sweater saw the young winger make his presence known, leaving many fans very excited for what he could become in the future.

The 6-foot-3 inch winger plays the game like a true powerforward. His physicality combined with his ability to create chances was apparent in Wednesday's game as he was all over the ice trying to make an impact.

Near the end of the first period, Spellacy laid a big hit on Red Wings blossoming star Lucas Raymond, leading Dylan Larkin to do the same to Spellacy which resulted in a scrum amongst both teams.

Spellacy's energy on the ice did not go unnoticed from Blackhawks' fans as the discourse online is already that he could become a fan favorite if he becomes a full-time NHL'er one day.

As a player who uses his size to his advantage, AJ Spellacy is a rarity in the Blackhawks' system among the forwards and will likely get even more looks as the preseason continues.

Though he will go back to juniors this season in the OHL, Specally is already becoming a prospect on the radar of many in Chicago.

Ludwinski and Savoie look ready for the pros

Young forwards Paul Ludwinski and Samuel Savoie were added into Wednesday's lineup alongside Joey Anderson, resulting in a strong performance from the trio.

This line may not have had a lights-out night from the stats department, but did a great job at playing with speed and tenacity which is a style of play the Blackhawks are very keen on having in the future.

Ludwinski and Savoie both bring a relentless style on the ice and are preparing for their debut professional seasons with the Rockford IceHogs. They will likely need at least a year before making the jump to the NHL, but are already showing the traits that could make them successful at the next level.

Though this line did not find the back of the net, they created chances efficiently and played a strong game overall. They played with energy and always made an effort to make something happen when they were on the ice.

With Ludwinski and Savoie both going to Rockford this season, the expectation will be for them to develop their game even further toward becoming NHL regulars. The first looks of them this preseason show that they play with a style that greatly adheres to what the Blackhawks are trying to implement.

Both will be players to watch this season in Rockford, and they will likely continue to get chances to show what they're made of as the preseason continues.

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