Game 2 against the Detroit Red Wings ends in another loss. But, who cares it preseason. What can we take away from this loss? Who stood out to you? Well, For me I can take away a lot from this. We saw Andrew Shaw back in a Blackhawks uniform, as well Robin Lehner.

Some of the starters played last night as well. Like, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, and Connor Murphy. I would put in Slater Koekkoek but, I’m not a 100% sure on him yet.

So with Andrew Shaw back into the line up what can we takeaway what he did. Well he did get an assist on Philp Holm’s goal that’s a big plus. But, I’m that’s not what I’m taking away from game 2. It’s his ability to get in front of the net, being that grinding forward who will jump into the middle of danger, take a hit or give one, fight on the boards, and stand up for teammates. Which I think has been lacking for the team since he left us(in a trade).

The biggest take away player from this game was Left Winger Dominik Kubalik who had 2 goals which accounted for 2/3 of the Blackhawks goals. He scored on a rebound shot from Dahlstrom and a Power Play goal where Holm set him up with a one-timer in the slot. This tells me that he can get to the front of the net and get those juicy rebounds and cash them in which has been missing from the Blackhawks. He can also sit in the slot on the PP can be able to snipe it in. Yes did have 2 back to back attempts but, he was able to his spot in cash in so that’s a bonus for PP even if he could be on the second line for that power play.

We also got to see Robin Lehner in the net, and I do have to say he is looking mighty strong in net. Yea, he let in 2 goals but, I’m putting blame on the Defense of play. He stopped 15 out of 17. He Played half of the game befoe Kevin lankinen came in. Lehner looked like he was on his game with a little off-season rust. He was squared to the shooter, good puck vision, and the ability to make very grade A stops. I can’t wait to see Crawford and Lehner duke it all season and see if the Defense can improve to make this team deadly.

Speaking of the Defense. I was a little disappointed with it since Murphy, Koekkoek, Caggiula, Strome, Shaw and DeBrincat was out there. Well, let me say DeBrincat, Strome, Shaw, Murphy and Koekkoek didn’t have a minus on the score board. But, Shaw and Strome were the only ones with points. It tells me that the Blackhawks played to much on their end of the ice and not enough offense of pressure.

The Red Wings were very physical and the Blackhawks answered but, while doing that they started to play the cat and mouse came instead of focusing setting up in the offense of zone and fore-checking.

Yet, it still is the preseason and players get put in different situation and see where players fit. That’s why if the Blackhawks lose it easier to see those flaws versus winning where certain things get over looked.

The Blackhawks come back to Chicago tonight to play the Detroit Red Wings again at the United Center at 7 pm