[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. Right now, everything I write is posted here on Hockey Hot Stove. This is the only place where I’m sharing my articles, and I’m happy to contribute and talk hockey with you guys. Thanks again for following along — it means a lot.

[CoachFrenchy]

Chicago Blackhawks

Tyler Bertuzzi — Connor Bedard — André Burakovsky
Teuvo Teräväinen — Ryan Greene — Ilya Mikheyev
Oliver Moore — Ryan Donato — Colton Dach
Landon Slaggert — Nick Foligno — Sam Lafferty

Alex Vlasic — Louis Crevier
Wyatt Kaiser — Artyom Levshunov
Matt Grzelcyk — Connor Murphy

Spencer Knight

PP1:
Bertuzzi
Burakovsky-Teravainen-Bedard
Levshunov

PP2:
Foligno
Donato-Greene-Moore
Grzelcyk

Nazar: Game – Decision
Rinzel: Healthy Scratch
Dickinson: out
12 Forwards – 6 Defensemen First time since home opener (Oct. 11) that Chicago will go 12 forwards and 6 defensemen after going 11 and 7 for 14 straight games.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Nicholas Robertson – John Tavares – William Nylander
Matthew Knies – Max Domi – Easton Cowan
Matias Maccelli – Nicolas Roy – Bobby McMann
Dakota Joshua – Steven Lorentz – Calle Jarnkrok

Morgan Reilly – Brandon Carlo
Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe
Dakota Mermis – Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Joseph Woll

Updates: 4:15PM

[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks for your comment. You bring up a really good point about the game. This is all part of the rebuild process, and situations like this absolutely need to be addressed inside the locker room — by the players and the coaching staff. Identity matters, especially when teams start taking runs at your stars.

The coaches also need to make adjustments between periods. And remember: when you’re playing a fast team you don’t see very often, it’s easy to get caught behind the play. That’s another part of the learning curve for a young group like Chicago.

But you’re right — the Blackhawks need to respond better in these moments. It’s something they’ll have to grow into as this rebuild moves forward.

[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks for your comment, and you’re absolutely right about the Bedard situation. You can’t let opponents take liberties on Bedard — or any Blackhawks player. This team needs that “wolf mentality” where everyone protects each other and pushes back when it’s needed.

At some point, when Foligno eventually moves on, the Blackhawks will have to upgrade with a player who brings that element — someone who can step in and answer the bell when situations like this happen. That’s part of building a team that won’t get pushed around.

[CoachFrenchy]

Thank You so much Sir…

[CoachFrenchy]

Take note:
It’s a quiet night in the NHL with only four games on the schedule, which means more scouts are available to spread out and watch different teams.

Also, don’t forget — Olympics are this season, so some teams may start sending scouts to various NHL games as part of their evaluation process for both pro scouting and international preparation.

[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks for your comment today… You’re absolutely right — the next 9 months are going to be fascinating. Between the Trade Deadline, the Draft, and then UFA, this is exactly where Davidson has to push the Blackhawks into that next phase of the rebuild.

The foundation is there. Now it’s about making the right moves to turn all those blue-chip prospects into a real NHL roster. Big decisions are coming, and it’s going to be fun to watch how it all plays out.

[CoachFrenchy]

This is a great opportunity for the young players to step up tonight.

Dach – Greene – Moore will get important minutes (and if Slaggert plays, same thing for him). This is also a chance for a few veterans to raise their game and show leadership.

The Blackhawks need to shoot the puck a lot, especially with Markstrom struggling lately. Pressure him early and often.

Chicago also can’t give up space at the blue line. Gap control, puck management, and strong possession will be key.

Overall, this is a big test for the Blackhawks to see exactly where they stand against a top NHL team.

[CoachFrenchy]

Chicago Blackhawks

Tyler Bertuzzi — Connor Bedard — André Burakovsky??
Teuvo Teräväinen — Ryan Greene — Ilya Mikheyev
Oliver Moore — Ryan Donato — Nick Foligno
Colton Dach — Sam Lafferty

Alex Vlasic — Louis Crevier
Wyatt Kaiser — Artyom Levshunov
Matt Grzelcyk — Connor Murphy
Sam Rinzel

Spencer Knight

New Jersey Devils

Arseny Gritsyuk – Jack Hughes – Dawson Mercer
Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Jesper Bratt
Ondrej Palat – Cody Glass – Stefan Noesen
Paul Cotter – Luke Glendening – Zack MacEwen

Jonas Siegenthaler – Simon Nemec
Brenden Dillon – Luke Hughes
Dennis Cholowski – Colton White

Jacob Markstrom

[CoachFrenchy]

Well said. This is exactly what a rebuild is about — developing your young players in the trenches. I said it at the beginning of the season: this year in Chicago is all about development and evaluation inside the organization. Their next step is moving out some veterans and getting ready for Phase 1 of their roster construction in the summer of 2026. The kids are taking real steps, and that’s what matters right now

[CoachFrenchy]

When I talk about identity, this is exactly what I mean. This is where Blashill gets it right. He knows what kind of team he has and he leans into their strengths. Speed, effort, and pressure on the puck. Win your battles, go to the hard areas, and make the other team uncomfortable. That’s the foundation of what the Blackhawks are building right now.

[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it. It means a lot to hear that. I put a good amount of time into this one, and I’m glad the breakdown worked for you. The Hawks are giving us plenty to talk about right now, and it’s fun to cover when things go this way. Thanks again for taking the time to read it and share your thoughts

[CoachFrenchy]

You’re right. I had Nazar listed in the extra reasons section, but it looks like it got deleted. My apologies… and great catch by you. Thanks for your comment

[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks my friend….

[CoachFrenchy]

Thanks for the feedback. On my side, I can see the link in the forum under GENERAL. By the way, we had only three comments during the game, and Metalhead, you were one of them. Not sure why nobody else could see it

[Author]

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