Karel Vejmelka stood tall in net for the Mammoth, making 20 saves, but the team is still searching for a win, now at 0-1-2 in their last three outings. Despite the result, Coach Andre Tourigny saw plenty of positives in their performance.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we played a heck of a game,” Tourigny reflected. “We were physical, fast, and generated a lot of offense. With 33 shot attempts from the slot, it might be our highest of the season.”
Tourigny emphasized the importance of finding ways to secure two points but remained optimistic. “We earned a big point and played a heck of a game.
If we keep this up, the results will follow. I’m proud of the effort and the attitude on the bench.
We had all four lines going, applying pressure and being tough to play against. Other than the score, there’s not much I didn’t like.”
The game remained scoreless through the first period until Dylan Guenther broke the ice for the Mammoth at 5:47 of the second. After a turnover by Chicago’s Andre Burakovsky, Logan Cooley carried the puck up the ice and set up Guenther, who found the net over Knight’s right shoulder from the right face-off circle.
Chicago responded in the third period. Bertuzzi tied it at 2:18 with the Blackhawks on a 4-on-3 power play. He positioned himself at the crease, redirecting a pass from Bedard at the left face-off dot.
“I think everyone’s stepping up,” Bertuzzi noted. “With bigger roles after the NHL Trade Deadline, guys are taking on new responsibilities and excelling, especially the young players. Our defense has been solid, playing hard and smart.”
Nazar gave the Blackhawks their first lead at 9:17. After Bertuzzi’s shot rebounded off Vejmelka, Teuvo Teravainen kicked it over to Nazar, who finished from the left post, extending his point streak to five games with three goals and five assists.
“Nazar’s play has earned him these opportunities,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s skating hard, winning puck battles, and maintaining possession. When he has the puck, he’s making things happen.”