CHICAGO – Petr Mrazek was at his finest on Thursday evening. Not only did he post a shutout for the Chicago Blackhawks, he stole the game from the Anaheim Ducks.
Mrazek came up with 37 saves, none bigger than a blocker save late in the second and Chicago
The Blackhawks got their first goal on a feed from Connor Bedard to a waiting Philipp Kurashev, who blasted a shot past Dostal to make it 1-0 midway through the second period. It was Kurashev’s fifth of the season and more importantly, a power play marker for the Blackhawks beleaguered special teams.
From there, it would hold.
Outshot 9-1 in the third by Anaheim, the Blackhawks defense held strong as did their goaltender.
It was another impressive performance from Mrazek, who now has six of Chicago’s eight wins this season. The game was a microcosm of what the veteran netminder has been for the Blackhawks this season–stellar and constantly keeping them in game.
Tonight he was rewarded for his efforts.
Korchinski Nearly Gets a Highlight Reel Goal
One of Kevin Korchinski’s best attributes is his speed along with his offensive instincts. The Ducks nearly found out the hard way. Korchinski zipped down the ice and blew past a couple Ducks defenders before putting a shot on Lukas Dostal. The rebound popped back out and Korchinski nearly smacked it into the net.
Not a goal–but it was a glimpse of what can be for the 19-year-old defenseman. It surely reminded of another defenseman–just over a decade ago, who could dash through the zone in a similar way and often find a way to put the puck in the net.
That next part will come with time and experience. But it was a treat for the Blackhawks fans in attendance to see exactly why Kyle Davidson took him at seventh overall in 2022.
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