BLOG: Blackhawks Prepare for First Preseason Game

After a full week filled with practices, the Chicago Blackhawks will take in some preseason action on Thursday evening against the St. Louis Blues. 

While the head coach Luke Richardson and staff finalize the final roster for the matchup, Connor Bedard looks forward to some action. For him, this allows him to showcase his skills but also test himself against other players in the league. 

“You want to see where that gets you in the game,” Bedard said. “Of course, for me being a guy coming in that hasn't tested himself against those players, it's just pretty big to just get in that environment and see how you feel leading up to the season.”

Not only does it show players’ talents in the preseason game, but it also showcases possible chemistry in certain lines or defensive pairings. 

Over the last two days, the team participated in scrimmages to prep for the contests that previewed potential lines. Head coach Luke Richardson notes while he looks for execution from players, he also wants to see the chemistry that lines could build to go into the regular season. 

“I think when we get them in a game, and then you see them in a real game with a real power play or real penalty killing units that guys mesh well together, I think that's going to really tell,” Richardson said.

Some may view preseason as invaluable; Jones can see the excitement it can bring and the learning opportunities it can build. 

Jones echoed a similar statement from his head coach for defensive pairings because it can create good energy for their game early on. However, this allows time for young players to ask questions as they try to learn a new system. 

“It's also important for team aspect to get your system down, to know what you're doing in every situation on the ice and it's time to ask questions and figure things out,” Jones said.