The Chicago Blackhawks are running out of games in what has been another rough season in the standings for the franchise. As the season winds down, the time is now for players to step up and make an impression before the summer settles in. One such player in need of an opportunity is Lukas Reichel.
The former first-round pick has had a turbulent season in Chicago. At the beginning of the season, he was the team's second-line center. Later in the season, he was a fourth-line winger or healthy scratch on most nights. After a demotion to the AHL, Reichel is back to show off his skills before his contract expires following the campaign.
On Tuesday, it appears the Blackhawks are giving Reichel that opportunity to make some noise in the last five games of the 2023-24 season. According to Blackhawks beat reporter Tab Bamford, Reichel was skating with Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev in practice on Tuesday.
This is the chance for Reichel to make some noise. Despite an overall quiet season (four goals, 10 assists), a short burst of success should play Reichel into another chance in 2024-25.
Reichel has performed much better lately since returning from the AHL. Since his first game back on March 17, Reichel has four points (one goal, three assists) in those 10 games during that time. However, more positively, Reichel has three points in the Hawks' last four games, including a two-point effort in Philadelphia and a sweet assist to Andreas Athanasiou in the team's win over Dallas on Saturday.
The version of Reichel on Saturday, who showed confidence splitting defenders and had the poise to make a sweet backhand pass, will be expected from the Blackhawks in the last five games. At this moment in time, there is no better opportunity on the team than playing with the two leading point getters in Bedard and Kurashev.
Reichel's tryout begins with the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CDT from Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO. The game will broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago Plus.
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