November is upon us. With a 5-4-2 record, the Chicago Blackhawks are off to a competitive start in the Western Conference standings.
The young core continues to learn on the fly, while new veterans are beginning to find their rhythm under Coach Blashill.
Offensively, the Hawks have shown flashes of creativity and confidence, led by Connor Bedard, Teuvo Teräväinen, and Ryan Donato, while rookie Frank Nazar continues to impress with his poise and two-way play.
On the blue line, Alex Vlasic and Artyom Levshunov are logging heavy minutes and showing maturity beyond their years.
In net, Spencer Knight has been a rock — providing stability, confidence, and timely saves as the team continues to search for consistency and identity.
In this 10-game report, we’ll evaluate each player’s performance through detailed stats, analytics, and key moments — highlighting who’s leading the way, who’s underperforming, and what it all means for the next stretch of the season.
Team Stats (first 10 games)
| Category | Season 2025-26 | NHL Rank |
| Record | 5-3-2 | 15th |
| GF (Goals For) | 33 | 16th |
| GF/GP | 3.30 | 15th |
| GA (Goals Against) | 25 | 4th |
| GA/GP | 2.50 | 3rd |
| GD (Goal Differential) | 8 | 7th |
| PP (Power Play %) | 18.2% | 21st |
| PK (Penalty Kill %) | 86.4% | 8th |
| FOW (Faceoff %) | 47.6% | 24th |
| S/GP (Shots per Game) | 24.5 | 31st |
| SA/GP (Shots Against per Game) | 29.4 | 21st |
| Shots % | 11.2 | 10th |
| NETPEN (Net Penalties) | -12 | 31st |
| MINOR (Minor Penalties) | 48 | 2nd |
| GF 5v5 | 24 | 10th |
| GA 5v5 | 17 | 7th |
| CF% (Corsi For %) | 46.7% | 26th |
| xGF% (Expected Goals For %) | 19.27% | 27th |
| HDCF% (High-Danger Scoring Chances For %) | 43.3% | 27th |
| HDCF-HDCA (Differential) | 95-137 | — |
When you look closely at the team stats, it’s the defensive game that’s driving the Blackhawks’ solid 5-3-2 record. Allowing just 2.50 goals per game is an excellent start, backed by a strong penalty kill and responsible structure.
Their goal differential (+8) after 10 games reflects how efficient they’ve been at 5-on-5.
However, there are still areas that need improvement. The faceoff percentage remains a weakness, and discipline has been an issue — Chicago ranks second in the NHL for most minor penalties.
They also need to generate more shots and improve their puck possession, two categories that are essential for long-term success.
The underlying analytics tell the story: possession and expected goal numbers are below league average, meaning there’s still work to do.
Overall, the Blackhawks have earned their 5-3-2 record, but if they want to stay above .500 and play meaningful games later in the season, they’ll need to sharpen their game on both sides of the puck and spend more time controlling it.
All Situations
Records
| Situation | Overall | Home | Away |
| Record | 5-3-2 | 3-1-1 | 2-2-1 |
| When Scoring First | 5-2-1 | 3-1-1 | 2-1-0 |
| When Opponent Scores First | 0-1-1 | 0-1-0 | 0-0-1 |
| When Outshooting Opponent | 2-1-1 | 1-1-1 | 1-0-0 |
| When Outshot by Opponent | 3-2-1 | 2-1-0 | 1-1-1 |
| 1-Goal Games | 2-2-2 | 1-1-1 | 1-1-1 |
| After 1st Period – Lead | 2-1-1 | 1-1-1 | 1-0-0 |
| After 1st Period – Trail | 0-1-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-1-0 |
| After 1st Period – Tie | 3-1-1 | 2-1-0 | 1-0-1 |
| After 2nd Period – Lead | 3-0-0 | 2-0-0 | 1-0-0 |
| After 2nd Period – Trail | 0-1-0 | 0-1-0 | 0-0-0 |
| After 2nd Period – Tie | 2-2-2 | 1-1-1 | 1-1-1 |
Scoring by Period
| Location | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | Total |
| Overall – Team | 11 | 10 | 11 | 1 | 33 |
| Overall – Opponent | 5 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 |
| Home – Team | 6 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 17 |
| Home – Opponent | 0 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 13 |
| Away – Team | 5 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 16 |
| Away – Opponent | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
Shots by Period
| Location | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | Total |
| Overall – Team | 83 | 68 | 85 | 9 | 245 |
| Overall – Opponent | 101 | 86 | 99 | 8 | 294 |
| Home – Team | 56 | 32 | 54 | 6 | 148 |
| Home – Opponent | 55 | 51 | 55 | 6 | 167 |
| Away – Team | 27 | 36 | 31 | 3 | 97 |
| Away – Opponent | 46 | 35 | 44 | 2 | 127 |
When you look closely at all the team stats in different situations, you can see the Blackhawks have developed a new identity this season under Coach Blashill.
They’ve scored the first goal in 8 of their first 10 games, posting a 5-2-1 record when doing so — a major improvement from last year.
Even more impressive, when leading after two periods, they haven’t lost a single game this season. That shows growth, structure, and maturity.
Breaking down the scoring by period, the first period has been their strongest with a +6 differential, followed by a +4 in the third.
The only weak spot is the second period, where they sit at –2, often losing momentum midway through games.
However, the biggest concern remains the shot totals. Chicago has been outshot in all three periods, with opponents generating 18 more shots overall — especially in the first and second frames.
That’s an area the team needs to clean up. With better puck possession and more sustained zone time, they can close that gap and control the pace of play more consistently.
Blackhawks Players Stats (10-game sample)
| Player | Pos | GP | TOI (AVG) | G | A | PTS | +/- | xGF% | GF% |
| Connor Bedard | C | 10 | 21:20 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 4 | 49.7 | 66.7 |
| Frank Nazar | C | 10 | 19:26 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 6 | 49.6 | 75.0 |
| Ryan Donato | RW | 10 | 15:49 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 58.4 | 61.1 |
| Teuvo Teravainen | RW | 10 | 18:39 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 48.8 | 68.8 |
| Andrei Burakovsky | LW | 9 | 16:37 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -1 | 37.7 | 55.6 |
| Tyler Bertuzzi | LW | 9 | 16:39 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 57.0 | 62.5 |
| Ilya Mikheyev | RW | 9 | 17:47 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 38.0 | 60.0 |
| Louis Crevier | D | 9 | 12:15 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 41.9 | 66.7 |
| Nick Foligno | RW | 7 | 14:42 | 0 | 4 | 4 | -1 | 54.2 | 50.0 |
| Colton Dach | LW | 10 | 13:52 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -3 | 40.4 | 45.5 |
| Jason Dickinson | C | 7 | 15:17 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 53.4 | 50.0 |
| Sam Rinzel | D | 10 | 20:10 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 52.4 | 65.0 |
| Alex Vlasic | D | 9 | 14:43 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 30.6 | 33.3 |
| Artyom Levshunov | D | 9 | 14:43 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 50.8 | 66.7 |
| Ryan Greene | C | 10 | 11:57 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 31.1 | 50.0 |
| Matthew Gz\rzelcyk | D | 10 | 15:05 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 60.0 | 73.3 |
| Wyatt Kaiser | D | 10 | 19:49 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 42.9 | 57.9 |
| Connor Murphy | D | 10 | 16:08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 28.9 | 18.2 |
| Landon Slaggert | LW | 3 | 9:56 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 46.7 | 50.5 |
| Sam Lafferty | C | 3 | 7:47 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46.7 | 50.5 |
| Player | Pos | GP | Record | GAA | SV% | GSAx |
| Spencer Knight | G | 7 | 4-2-1 | 2.11 | 0.930 | 8.8 |
| Arvid Söderblom | G | 3 | 1-1-1 | 3.01 | 0.888 | 0.7 |
How Player Grades Are Determined
Each player’s grade is based on a combination of individual performance, consistency, impact on the team, and role execution through the first 10 games of the 2025–26 season.
Here’s how the evaluation works:
• Statistics & Analytics: Goals, assists, points, plus/minus, time on ice, faceoff %, possession numbers (CF%, xGF%), and situational play such as power play and penalty kill usage.
• Role & Expectation: Players are judged relative to their role — a rookie or third-pair defenseman won’t be evaluated the same way as a top-line center or starting goalie.
• Consistency & Game Impact: Effort, decision-making, and performance shift to shift. Players who make key plays or respond in big moments earn higher marks.
• Coaching Trust & Usage: Ice time, matchups, and the coach’s confidence in the player during key situations reflect how reliable they’ve been.
• Growth & Development: For younger players, improvement, adaptation to the NHL pace, and maturity are important factors.
Grades range from A (Outstanding) to D (Poor) — with B representing solid, reliable play and C meaning room for improvement.
Blackhawks Players Ranking
Forwards
Connor Bedard A
Connor Bedard came ready this season — you can see the intensity in every shift. With 12 points in 10 games and a +4 rating, it’s clear he put in the work this summer. Last year at the same mark, he had 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points, and was –3, so that’s real progress in his all-around game.
One big difference this year is how often he shoots the puck. Bedard is constantly putting pressure on opposing goalies, with 25 shots in his last five games and at least three per game in the others. He’s learning how to create offense even when he doesn’t score — something only elite players figure out early.
His faceoffs are now above 40%, showing visible improvement in that area as well. Bedard is leading by example, competing hard, and showing that he’s ready to take the next step toward becoming one of the league’s most dangerous players. Grade: A
Frank Nazar A
Frank Nazar has been the most dangerous player for the Blackhawks through the first 10 games. His playmaking and vision show exactly why Chicago believed in him and signed him this summer. With 11 points in 10 games and a +6 rating, he’s been a difference-maker every night. His faceoff numbers have improved, just like Bedard’s, and his shooting percentage (27.8%) is impressive. But what stands out most is how many great plays he creates for his wingers. Right now, Nazar and Bedard are driving the offense for this team. Grade: A
Tyler Bertuzzi B
If you compare Tyler Bertuzzi’s first 10 games from last season — only 2 points — to this year’s 6 points, that’s a real step forward. What’s making the difference this season is his chemistry with Nazar and Teravainen, and the way he’s playing with more intensity and grit. With Bertuzzi, it’s not just about the points — it’s the forechecking, the physical presence, and the energy he brings to his line. He’s the “hunter” who opens space for his teammates. A good start for Bertuzzi. Grade: B
Ryan Donato: B+
Ryan Donato was expected to play on the top line beside Bedard or Nazar in the top six, but Coach Blashill wanted to balance his top nine and gave Donato a specific role on the third line. He handled it like a pro — no complaints, just solid hockey. Donato has been very consistent and now leads the team in goals tied with Bedard after 10 games. What’s impressive is that he’s matched his totals from last year’s first 10 games — same number of goals, assists, and points — while playing on the third line. He’s also delivered two game-winning goals already. Donato gives his coach exactly what he needs — reliability, effort, and leadership. Grade: B+
Ilya Mikheyev A-
He’s the most underrated player for the Blackhawks after 10 games — the one Coach Blashill clearly trusts the most. Right now, he’s listed day-to-day with an injury, but when he’s in the lineup, he does everything for this team. His work ethic sets the tone and pushes everyone around him to play harder. Using his speed, energy, and intensity, he’s become a real difference-maker. With 3 goals and 5 points in 9 games, that’s a big step up from last season, when he had just one point in his first 10. He’s also averaging three more minutes of ice time per game, showing the confidence the staff has in him. Grade: A-
Andrei Burakovsky B
Andrei Burakovsky is trying to bounce back after a tough year with the Kraken. GM Kyle Davidson wanted a veteran forward with experience — someone who could complement Bedard or Nazar — and with Taylor Hall’s departure, Burakovsky was the perfect fit. So far, he’s answered the call with 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists) in 9 games. Last season, it took him until November 25 — his 22nd game — to score his first goal, so this is a strong start. We all know his shot and power-play presence can make a big difference, and he’s already delivered a game-winning goal this season. Burakovsky is quietly playing very solid hockey for the Blackhawks. Grade: B
Teuvo Teravainen B+
Teuvo Teravainen has been the perfect fit alongside Nazar and Bertuzzi. The trio found chemistry quickly when Nazar joined the team late last season, and they’ve carried it into this year. His goal total might be down — from 3 to 1 compared to his first 10 games last season — but he’s made up for it with 8 points (two more than last year). Teravainen is playing two extra minutes per game and sits at +6, showing how reliable he’s been on both sides of the puck. He brings consistency, leadership, and veteran poise that helps steady his young linemates. Grade: B+
Colton Dach: C
Colton Dach made the roster out of training camp this season. Last year, he joined the Blackhawks in January and finished with 7 points (2 goals) in 25 games. Through the first 10 games this year, he’s produced 3 points (1 goal) while continuing to play his trademark physical, forechecking style. Coach Blashill briefly tried him on the top line before moving him back to the third, where he’s been effective. Dach currently leads the team with 44 hits, setting the tone every night. He’s a prototype of his captain, Nick Foligno — tough, hard-working, and competitive. Dach still needs to polish his two-way game and be more opportunistic offensively (just 7.7% shooting so far), but his intensity gives the Hawks an identity. Grade: C
Jason Dickinson: C
The 30-year-old has played 7 of the first 10 games so far and has done his job as the team’s third-line center, shutting down opposing lines. Last year, he skated mostly with Mikheyev and Foligno, but this season he’s had new linemates, including Donato. His numbers are similar to last year, but two areas really stand out — his work on the penalty kill and his faceoffs. With a 55.4% FO rate, he leads the Blackhawks in that category. Coach Blashill trusts him in key defensive situations, and he’s earning more ice time in those roles. A reliable, steady veteran presence. Grade: C
Ryan Greene C
Rookie Ryan Greene is still adapting to the NHL pace. Going from the NCAA to the NHL is never easy, but Greene has given the Blackhawks some solid hockey early on. He scored his first NHL goal and has 2 points in 10 games. Coach Blashill has done a good job managing his minutes and putting him in smart situations to build confidence. His 49.3% on faceoffs is impressive for a rookie — most young players struggle in that area, but Greene looks comfortable. He still needs to get stronger physically, but that’s part of the development process. The NHL schedule is demanding, and it will be interesting to see how he handles the grind as the season goes on. Grade: C
Nick Foligno C
The captain keeps bringing his leadership and experience to this young Blackhawks team. The 37-year-old veteran, now in his 19th NHL season, isn’t the same kind of player he once was, but he continues to play with heart and intensity. He’s recorded 4 points in 7 games, even though he’s playing about a minute less per night compared to last season. If the Hawks rolled four lines every night, he’d likely anchor that fourth unit — but his impact goes far beyond the scoresheet. In what could be his final season, he’s focused on showing the younger players what it takes to have longevity in the NHL. Under Blashill, his role has evolved — it’s now about mentorship, accountability, and presence. He may not have the same speed, but he still commands respect from teammates and opponents alike. Grade: C
Sam Lafferty: D
It looks like Sam Lafferty and Coach Blashill aren’t on the same page right now. That’s already clear — Lafferty has played only 3 of the first 10 games and has been a healthy scratch several times. It’s not the start he wanted in his second stint with the team. A few costly penalties hurt the Hawks early, and since then, he’s been on the outside looking in. Lafferty’s a veteran, so he knows what it takes — he just needs to stay ready for when his name gets called again. A disappointing start to his season so far. Grade: D
Landon Slaggert C-
Unfortunately for Landon Slaggert, an injury forced him to miss most of the first 10 games. He’s played only 3 games so far, with no points and an average of 9:56 of ice time per game. It’s tough to give him a real grade based on such a small sample, but considering the circumstances, he’s done what he could in limited minutes. Grade: C-
Defensemen
Alex Vlasic B+
After missing the start of the season, Alex Vlasic joined the lineup and has quietly been one of the most consistent defensemen for the Blackhawks through nine games. Coach Blashill relies on him in every situation — penalty kill, late-game shifts, and matchups against top opponents. Vlasic has also been paired with rookie Sam Rinzel, giving the young blueliner a steady veteran to learn from. It’s never going to be about points or goals for Vlasic — it’s about shutting down the opposition, playing physical, winning battles, and clearing the crease. He’s the general on the blue line for this young team. Grade: B+
Sam Rinzel B
In his first full NHL season, the 2022 second-overall pick is handling a tough assignment — playing on the top pairing and facing the best players every night. Sam Rinzel has done a great job so far with 3 points, a +3 rating, and averaging over 20 minutes per game. Only three of his 10 games have been on the negative side of the plus/minus column, which says a lot for a rookie defenseman. Coming straight from the NCAA, like Ryan Greene, Rinzel is learning through real NHL experience — the hard way, in the trenches. It’s not easy, especially on the road, where he’ll be exposed and make mistakes, but that’s part of his growth. Every shift, every mistake, every battle helps him develop into a better player.Grade: B
Wyatt Keiser B-
If Mikheyev is the “obscure” forward for the Blackhawks, then Wyatt Kaiser fits that role on defense. He’s quietly had a strong first 10 games. Maybe the last couple were tougher, but overall, Kaiser has been steady and reliable, often paired against top competition alongside Levshunov. Still early in his NHL career with only 108 games played, he’s showing real maturity. His transition game and gap control have stood out, and Coach Blashill clearly trusts him — his ice time has increased by more than a minute and a half per game compared to last season. Kaiser continues to develop the right way and brings consistency every night. Grade: B-
Connor Murphy C
The 32-year-old veteran, now in his 13th NHL season, has fully accepted his role under Coach Blashill. Most nights, he’s on the third defensive pairing, and while his ice time is down by nearly four minutes compared to last year, he continues to bring valuable experience and leadership to this young blue line. Along with Grzelcyk, he’s one of only two defensemen over 30 with more than a decade of NHL experience. Murphy knows exactly what his role is — steady, physical, and reliable. With this being the final year of his contract, he could become an interesting piece at the trade deadline if Chicago looks to add more assets. Grade: C
Matt Grzelcyk C+
Matt Grzelcyk came to camp on a PTO and earned his spot, signing a one-year, $1 million contract with the Blackhawks. Like Murphy, the 32-year-old defenseman with 10 years of NHL experience brings stability and poise to this young blue line. Last season, he put up 40 points with the Penguins, but expectations are different this year. He’s averaging five minutes less ice time and isn’t being used on the power play. That said, Grzelcyk has been reliable in key defensive moments, especially late in games alongside Murphy or Vlasic. Over his last two outings, he’s averaged more than 16 minutes per game and currently leads the team with a +7 rating. He’s doing exactly what Coach Blashill needs from him — smart, steady, veteran hockey. Grade: C+
Artyom Levshunov C
The second-overall pick in 2024, Artyom Levshunov, has played all 10 games this season, averaging 14:49 of ice time with 3 assists. It’s never easy to jump into the NHL at his age, and he’s been learning on the fly since opening night. Some fans might be frustrated or think he should be in the AHL, but Coach Blashill and GM Kyle Davidson clearly have a plan for his development. His decision-making and turnovers have been his biggest challenges so far, but that’s part of the normal process — just like Rinzel is going through. Fans often connect a player’s performance to where he was drafted, but that’s not fair in this stage of his career. Levshunov is a talented young defenseman who needs time to grow, gain confidence, and learn what it takes to be a pro. Like Owen Power in Buffalo, patience is key. For now, the focus should be on his development, not his stats. Grade: C
Louis Crevier C+
The giant Louis Crevier is having an excellent start to the season with the Blackhawks. After being a healthy scratch early on, Coach Blashill decided to go with seven defensemen, and since then, Crevier hasn’t missed a game. Surprisingly, he leads all Chicago defensemen in points with four — including two goals in 10 games, after scoring only three in his previous 56 NHL games. He knows his role and keeps things simple and steady. Averaging just over 12 minutes per night, Crevier is still developing, but there’s real potential here. He’s a long-term project, yet one who could grow into a dependable third-pairing defenseman in the NHL. If he learns to use his 6’8” frame more physically, it will only make him harder to play against. Grade C+
Goaltenders
Spencer Knight A
If the Blackhawks have a 5-3-2 record, Spencer Knight is the reason why. He’s been rock solid with a 4-2-1 record, a 2.11 GAA (7th in the NHL), and a .930 save percentage (4th in the league). Knight is also 4-0-1 in his last five games and hasn’t allowed more than three goals in any game this season. Simply put, when the Hawks play meaningful hockey, it’s because Knight keeps them in every game. He’s been incredibly sensational, ranking third in the NHL in Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) at +8.8. The numbers don’t lie — Knight has been the backbone of this team. Grade: A
Arvid Söderblom C
Arvid Soderblom signed a new deal this summer and has a 1-1-1 record after three starts with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .886 save percentage. It’s a small sample, but overall he’s been okay. His first game was rough, allowing four goals, but his next two outings were much better. The expectation is that Soderblom will play around 25 games this season, giving Knight the occasional rest. With limited action so far, it’s tough to judge him too harshly — he’s done his job when called upon. Grade: C
Coach Bashill: B+
Through the first 10 games, Jeff Blashill has done an impressive job giving this young Blackhawks team a clear identity. His structure is noticeable — tighter defense, stronger backcheck habits, and a much better penalty kill. The team is competing every night and has learned how to protect leads, something that was a major weakness last season.
Blashill also deserves credit for developing the young core the right way. He’s handled players like Rinzel, Nazar, and Levshunov with patience and responsibility, giving them real NHL experience without overloading them. His decision to rotate seven defensemen early in the season worked out well, helping integrate Crevier and balance ice time.
Offensively, the team still needs work. The power play has been inconsistent, and Chicago continues to struggle with possession and shot totals. But the effort level, defensive buy-in, and improved structure all show that Blashill’s message is getting through.
He’s pushing the right buttons early — and for a rebuilding team to sit at 5-3-2 after 10 games is a clear sign of progress. Grade: B+
Standouts – Obscure – Needs to Improve
Standout Player: Spencer Knight
No question — Spencer Knight has been the backbone of the Blackhawks through the first 10 games. With a 4-2-1 record, 2.11 GAA, and .930 save percentage, he’s been lights out.
He hasn’t allowed more than three goals in any game and continues to make key saves that change momentum. Knight’s calm presence gives the team confidence — they play looser, more structured, and believe they can win every night.
His performance has been elite-level, ranking third in the NHL in Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx). Simply put, if Chicago is 5-3-2, it’s because of him.
Obscure Player: Ilya Mikheyev
You won’t see his name in the headlines, but Ilya Mikheyev deserves credit for his work ethic and speed. His relentless forechecking and backpressure have made a real difference, especially on the penalty kill.
Mikheyev plays a simple, smart game — he forces turnovers, wins races to loose pucks, and creates energy every shift.
He’s one of those players who makes the team better even when he’s not on the scoresheet. A true unsung hero early this season.
Needs to Improve: Puck Possession & High-Danger Chances
The biggest area that needs work is puck possession and limiting high-danger scoring chances against. The analytics don’t lie — the Hawks are sitting at 44.56% CF, 41.64% xGF, and only 40.95% HDCF%.
That means they’re spending too much time without the puck and giving up too many quality looks to opponents.
Cleaning up their breakouts, managing the puck smarter in the neutral zone, and tightening defensive gaps will help bring those numbers up. If they can fix that, this team can move from good starts to sustainable winning hockey.
My Final Thought: Blackhawks Advancing
Ten games in, the Chicago Blackhawks have shown real progress — more than many expected at this stage of the rebuild.
This group is starting to build an identity under Jeff Blashill: a team that works hard, defends with structure, and competes every night. They’re not perfect — far from it — but the direction is finally clear.
The biggest story so far has been Spencer Knight. He’s been outstanding — calm, confident, and consistent. Every good team starts with great goaltending, and Knight is giving Chicago a chance to win every night.
His stats don’t just look good on paper — they’ve changed the energy and belief in that locker room.
Connor Bedard continues to prove why he’s special. You can see his maturity growing every game — stronger on the puck, smarter in his reads, and hungrier to take over when the team needs him most.
Frank Nazar is also turning heads. His vision, playmaking, and speed make him one of the most exciting young forwards in the lineup.
And on defense, Alex Vlasic and Sam Rinzel are handling big responsibilities against tough competition — learning what it takes to play at the NHL level every night.
There’s still work to be done — puck possession, shot totals, and discipline must improve if this team wants to stay above .500.
But the foundation is there. This team looks connected, more confident, and finally plays with a purpose.
The next 10 games will be a new challenge: a six-game road trip followed by four at home. That stretch will test their mental toughness and depth.
If they can keep their structure and continue getting elite goaltending from Knight, the Blackhawks could surprise even more people before the holidays.
For now, the rebuild feels real — and the future finally looks bright in Chicago.
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