The Chicago Blackhawks have spent the early part of the season trying to shape an identity that fits both their youthful core and their recent veteran additions. Andre Burakovsky and Sam Lafferty were brought in to give the group more experience, and the shift behind the bench to Jeff Blashill signaled a desire for structure and patience.
There have been encouraging signs along the way, and Chicago has shown it can push back against stronger opponents. Yet moments like Friday’s matchup in Buffalo reveal how quickly things can unravel for a team still learning how to manage the grind.
How Did Jeff Blashill Respond After the Blackhawks’ 9-3 Loss to Buffalo?
The Blackhawks walked out of KeyBank Center with a result that left little room for excuses. Buffalo ran the pace from the opening shift, piling up goals in waves and exposing every gap Chicago left behind. Alex Tuch collected four assists, Josh Doan scored twice, and the Sabres dictated nearly every sequence on their way to a 9-3 win.
Chicago tried to rally through its young playmakers. Tyler Bertuzzi scored twice, Sam Rinzel picked up two assists, and Connor Bedard added a pair of helpers. But each pushback was met with another Buffalo surge, and the night showed us how unforgiving the league can be when execution slips. Arvid Soderblom, who has had stretches of sharp play this season, was left to face a barrage that overwhelmed the team in front of him.
Afterward, Jeff Blashill chose not to deflect blame toward his youngest players. He pointed to the rhythm of the long NHL schedule and the mental focus it demands, noting that some of his players are experiencing this grind for the first time. His message was one of accountability without panic, emphasizing the need to stay composed on nights when legs feel heavy and execution becomes harder to maintain.
“We have a lot of guys that have never been through the NHL schedule, so there’s going to be moments where they have to learn as they go,” Blashill said on Friday, via Chicago Sun-Times. “Part of it is learning that when you don’t have your best physically, you’ve still got to play good mentally.”
Despite the loss, Chicago remains in a competitive spot at 10-7-4. Bedard continues to drive the offense, and players like Frank Nazar, Teuvo Teravainen, and Andre Burakovsky are taking on more responsibility as the season moves along. There are growing pains, but they are paired with meaningful steps forward, even if nights like Buffalo temporarily overshadow them.
The focus now shifts to a major challenge. Chicago heads home to face the Colorado Avalanche on November 23 at 7:00 PM EST. The Avalanche arrive with one of the league’s best records and a dominant Nathan MacKinnon leading the way. Spencer Knight is expected to be a key player if the Blackhawks hope to rebound.
Chicago has shown progress, but this stretch will test how firmly those improvements hold.