Blackhawks have 2 first place despite loss to Islanders

The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the New York Islanders, but not without notable performances. Drew Commesso made his NHL debut in net, replacing starter Arvid Soderblom after a rough start. In addition, TJ Brodie scored his first goal as a Blackhawk, igniting a third-period comeback attempt, though the team ultimately fell short. Both players made significant contributions in challenging circumstances, indicating potential growth for the team.

By the numbers

• Drew Commesso stopped 2 shots and allowed no goals in his NHL debut.
• TJ Brodie now has 6 points this season and is -8 on the year.

Yes, but

Despite the debut and the goal, the Blackhawks’ overall performance and defensive breakdowns remain a concern as they allowed five goals to the Islanders. The inconsistency in goalkeeping and defensive play raises questions about the team’s stability going forward.

In-game status

• The Blackhawks are dealing with injuries to key goaltenders Laurent Brossoit and Petr Mrazek.
• The team will soon play back-to-back games against the New Jersey Devils and Islanders, giving Commesso the opportunity to start.

What’s next

Commesso is expected to start in the upcoming game, which will be crucial to his development and the team’s evaluation as they search for reliable goaltending. Brodie’s offensive contributions could also help shift momentum in future games, but consistency will be key.

Bottom line

The Blackhawks’ loss highlights both emerging talent like Commesso and Brodie and the ongoing challenges they face defensively. With critical games ahead, the team’s ability to integrate new players and strengthen performances will be crucial in rebuilding momentum this season.