All 32 NHL teams play tonight as the Blackhawks face Ottawa. Updates on Bertuzzi, Mikheyev, and Levshunov’s early-season progress.
The NHL will have all 32 teams in action on Tuesday, but the World Series will probably take its fair share of viewers. Either way, the Chicago Blackhawks will face off against the Ottawa Senators at 7:45 p.m. CT.
Morning Skate
Tuesday’s morning skate was optional and led by assistant coach Mike Vellucci. Spencer Knight was in the starter’s net, and I imagine we’ll get lines before Tuesday’s game. Ilya Mikheyev was not seen and Tyler Bertuzzi was on the ice (more on them below).
Injury Updates: Tyler Bertuzzi and Ilya Mikheyev
Ilya Mikheyev is still day-to-day after taking a hard spill into the boards in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. Mikheyev has been one of the Blackhawks’ best puck movers and has created a lot of shorthanded chances. He’s been on the ice for 84.41% of the Blackhawks’ 5-on-5 goals and has a 47.26 expected goals share (xG%).
Tyler Bertuzzi was listed day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. He missed Sunday’s game against the Kings and has had a solid start to the season. He has two goals and six points through eight games and has been decent on the top-six, especially with Frank Nazar.
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Photo: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Artyom Levshunov
Artyom Levshunov was drafted No. 2 overall in 2024 as a “project” with a very high ceiling. Although defensemen take longer to develop, I do think that has changed in this modern era of hockey. I also believe comparing any Blackhawk defensemen to the development of Duncan Keith is a stretch. Keith developed in professional hockey over two decades ago. Different era.
Anyway, readers of my taped-together blog know I dabble in Montreal Canadiens hockey (not a fan, just a burden by birthright). It’s incredibly difficult to watch a player like Ivan Demidov make his presence felt when I’m watching Levshunov struggle in the NHL.
Levshunov has some of the best analytics on the Blackhawks—a 54.55% expected goals share, a 52.56% Corsi, and a +13.64 Corsi differential rate relative to teammates. He’s also started 51.22% of his shifts in the offensive zone. I love his skating and his involvement in the OZ; however, I am not loving the lack of offensive production. I can deal with mistakes like this one in Sunday night’s game, so long as that’s backed by tangible results. Levshunov has an individual expected goals of 0.27, fourth-lowest on the team.
Remember, I said I believe that Levshunov should be in the NHL and not in Rockford. I was satisfied with his selection in 2024. I have zero issues eating crow.