3 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks' surprising upset of the Colorado Avalanche
By Todd Welter
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There are three takeaways from this amazing victory to discuss...
The top line produced.
Ryan Donato was forced up to the first line after Kurashev was scratched. He ended up producing the game's first goal with a great rebound shot.
pov: you're on the glass for Donato's goal 👀 pic.twitter.com/8bBOdfVqOF
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 20, 2023
You will notice Connor Bedard started that scoring sequence with a nifty pass to Nikita Zaitsev who fired a shot that ricocheted off Colorado's goalie to Donato's stick for the goal. Bedard was active all night and played at a superstar level the Hawks needed him to be if they wanted to win.
He later set up Lukas Reichel for the Hawks' second goal.
THIS IS WHAT WE LIKE TO SEE pic.twitter.com/H33pIpAJaC
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 20, 2023
It was a much-needed goal as the Avs scored two quick goals to take a 2-1 lead. It was trending towards a blowout until Reichel lit the lamp.
Hopefully, this game gets Reichel going as head coach Luke Richardson has tried everything to get the struggling promising youngster going. He moved him off center to wing. He has benched Reichel and also demoted him to the fourth line. Moving up to the top line to skate with Bedard might be the fix to get this talented offensive player out of this funk.
Bedard finished with two assists. He clearly won a battle of superstars versus Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon who only had one assist. It was great to see Bedard step up and give the Hawks a much-needed offensive boost. It was the type of game you need from your superstar even if he is only 18.
The hope is that Kurashev returns from his illness and these three youngsters can start producing offense and give a peak into a promising future.