Blackhawks give Reichel another taste
If there's one thing Lukas Reichel misses about his native Germany it's the Bavarian food cooked up by his mom and grandmother.
Told he could probably find a restaurant in Chicago to satisfy his cravings, Reichel smiled and said: "I know. It's not the same."
On the ice, Reichel is feasting on AHL opponents, racking up 33 points in 33 games, and he got another nibble at the NHL level Friday when the Blackhawks hosted the Dallas Stars.
Reichel, selected 17th overall by the Hawks in 2020, centered a line with Patrick Kane and Brandon Hagel. This was his third NHL game, the other two coming in mid-January.
"I'm excited to be back," Reichel said. "I think I learned some little things since the last call-up. My game away from the puck is getting better. ...
"I definitely feel more confidence now. I know what's coming at me."
Interim coach Derek King isn't sure how long Reichel will stay up, although it likely won't be for long. The Hawks are content to let Reichel grow his game in the minors, believing that will ensure long-term success.
King saw one of Rockford's games during the all-star break and was impressed.
"He's a really good hockey player down there," King said. "It's being able to transfer that game to this game ... He showed spurts of it last time we had him and I'm hoping he's built on that."
Vote of confidence:
Goalie Arvid Soderblom had a rough outing during the Blackhawks' 7-4 loss to Columbus at the United Center on Thursday. The 22-year-old made 30 saves but yielded 6 goals, 3 coming in the first period.
Soderblom, who was making his second NHL start, has had a solid season in Rockford and interim coach Derek King believes he has a bright future.
"I'm sure the kid's nervous," King said. "He's a young kid. ... He's gonna be a really good goalie for us. Still, it's nerves. You're home, your parents are in town.
"Then what do we do? We don't start the game on time for him and we gave up way too many chances, and the guys that were getting the chances are good hockey players."
Slap shots:
The Hawks placed Jujhar Khaira (lower back) on long-term injured reserve and Jonathan Toews (concussion protocol) on injured reserve, retroactive to January 26. Toews did take part in morning skate Friday. ... Henrik Borgstrom returned to the lineup for Friday's game against Dallas. Meanwhile, D-man Alec Regula made his season debut, replacing Erik Gustafsson. Forward Brett Connolly and Josiah Slavin were the other healthy scratches. ... Calvin de Haan registered his 100th career assist during the Hawks' 7-4 loss to Columbus on Thursday.