Bruins stay undefeated with shutout win over Blackhawks

10 observations: Bruins stay undefeated with shutout win over Blackhawks originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks suffered a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins at the United Center on Tuesday, allowing two third-period goals.

Here are 10 observations from the game:

1. This hockey game lacked entertainment. It was low scoring, with both teams struggling on power plays and few exciting moments. The Blackhawks were shut out for the second time in three games.

2. The Blackhawks believed they scored the opening goal in the first period, but Connor Bedard’s goal was disallowed after a successful offside challenge by Boston. It was a close call, and although somewhat inconclusive, it appeared to be the right decision. The goal would have been a power-play goal. Nevertheless, the celebration was still noteworthy.

3. In an attempt to get under Bedard’s skin, Brad Marchand prevented him from returning to the bench during their first meeting, and he did the same in this game. Marchand’s behavior comes as no surprise, but it was refreshing to see Bedard smile through it.

4. Starting goal, Petr Mrazek, faced a barrage of 30 shots through two periods. The only goal he allowed was an incredible deflection from Pavel Zacha, which he couldn’t do much about. Mrazek played his part well.

5. Taylor Hall did not participate in the game due to reaggravating a shoulder injury sustained in the second game of the season against Boston. His absence is expected to last several games, and he is listed as week-to-week. The team placed him on injured reserve retroactively to October 21, making him ineligible to return until the game against Arizona on October 30. Losing Hall is a significant blow in the short term.

6. Brandon Carlo, who injured Hall with a blindside hit on October 11, faced no consequences for his actions in this game. There was no carry-over from their previous encounter, which was somewhat surprising.

7. With Hall sidelined, the Blackhawks made changes to Bedard’s linemates. Nick Foligno and Tyler Johnson took on the role of his wingers. The trio performed adequately together, but it remains to be seen how long they will stay as a unit.

8. Philipp Kurashev made his season debut after missing the first six games due to a left wrist injury. He played on the third line alongside Jason Dickinson and Corey Perry, and also contributed on the penalty kill. It could be worth experimenting with Kurashev on the second line in the next game and allowing Andreas Athanasiou to play with Bedard.

9. The Blackhawks have faced some tough opponents recently. They played an undefeated Colorado team, which now stands at 6-0-0, and lost to Vegas, the first defending Stanley Cup champion to start a season 6-0-0. In this game, they fell to the 6-0-0 Bruins. Their schedule has been exceptionally challenging.

10. In the third period, Bruins forward Jakub Lauko suffered a scary injury when he took a skate to the face. He quickly made his way to the bench, but was bleeding heavily. Hopefully, it’s not as serious as it appeared.

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