3 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks' preseason opener

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.

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.