SLAGGERT MAKES DEBUT IN BLOWOUT LOSS TO KINGS
Landon Slaggert’s NHL debut Friday in the Blackhawks’ 5-0 loss to the Kings probably didn’t play out in the exact way he had dreamed.
His first shift came short-handed and lasted only 12 seconds. By the time he was sent back over the boards for his first career even-strength shift, the Hawks already trailed 1-0. By the end of his first professional period, the Hawks were buried 4-0.
Slaggert at least managed to avoid getting dinged for any goals against during his 10:32 of ice time. Nearly 40 people — including all of his former Notre Dame teammates, plus some friends and family members — packed two suites at the United Center to cheer him on.
“It was . . . good to get my feet wet,” Slaggert said. “The guys did a great job of making me feel comfortable.”
The “guys” also made some egregious defensive errors, however, allowing the game to get out of hand early and forcing coach Luke Richardson to quickly pull starting goalie Arvid Soderblom.
“We didn’t have our best game, but [the
Kings] really played well,” Richardson said. “They’re a big, heavy team. We had a hard time winning puck battles.”
Reichel returns
The Hawks quietly called young forward Lukas Reichel back up from the AHL.
Reichel didn’t dominate the minors during his monthlong stint with Rockford, but he did play well, notching seven points in nine games. The first six of those points were assists, but he finally scored Wednesday.
Only 15 games remain in the Hawks’ season, so the 21-year-old German will have one last chance over the next few weeks to rediscover his offensive playmaking abilities and generate some optimism heading into the summer.
“This is a good time to get him back here, while his confidence is at a higher level compared to when he left,” Richardson said. “As we’re a little healthier unit now, as well, we can get him with some players that can complement him and help him out.” ✶