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Blackhawks' Top Goalie Prospects Makes NHL Debut Against New Jersey Devils Saturday

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Joshua Deeds
December 14, 2024 (11:55)

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The Chicago Blackhawks are starting prospect Drew Commesso in the net against the New Jersey Devils today, his first career NHL start.

Drew Commesso has been in the AHL since he started his professional hockey career with the Blackhawks. He was drafted 46th overall in the 2nd round of the 2020 NHL draft by then-GM Stan Bowman and the Blackhawks.

He's played three seasons in the NCAA, with the Boston University Terriers, each season sporting a save percentage above .900.

Now, after 48 games played in the AHL, he'll be set to face off against one of the top teams in the Metropolitan Division, the New Jersey Devils.

With Petr Mrazek out, the Blackhawks are in a rough spot and have relied upon Arvid Sodberblom to be a makeshift starter. Thanks to his improvement he has, but he also needed to rest.

That's the entire purpose of Commesso starting today.

In the last ten games with the Rockford IceHogs Commesso has a 4-6-0 record, with a .879 save percentage.

As for Commesso, he is replacing the injured Petr Mrazek, who is expected to miss one-to-two weeks with a left groin injury. This comes at an awful time given the setbacks that Laurent Brossoit has experienced with his injury. Arvid Soderblom will assume the starter duties for the time being.

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Commesso will be facing off against Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, Nico Hischier, Stefan Nosen, and Jacob Markstrom.

A team that's running hot under Head Coach Sheldon Keefe, so the Blackhawks defense will have to do their best to limit high-danger chances in the defensive zone.

While keeping the Devil's offense stunted, and limiting their shots to the perimeter.

This will require a huge team effort from players like Kevin Korchinski, Frank Nazar, and Philipp Kurashev. A two-hundred-foot game is vital against potential playoff contenders like the Devils.

The Blackhawks step foot into the arena as an underdog today, a verifiable Apollo Creed vs Rocky Balboa match-up.

Can the Blackhawks go a full 60 minutes today?

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks Connor Bedard's Cousin Gavin McKenna Becomes Youngest of Team Canada's Roster at 16

Chicago Blackhawks Fans Take Wrong Turn With Goaltender Arvid Soderblom

We Now Know Where Frank Nazar Will be In the Blackhawks Lineup Tomorrow Against the Devils

POLL
DECEMBRE 14 \| 92 ANSWERS Blackhawks' Top Goalie Prospects Makes NHL Debut Against New Jersey Devils Saturday Do you think goalie Drew Commesso of the Chicago Blackhawks can step-up and deliver a win today against the New Jersey Devils?
Yes	46	50 %
No	46	50 %
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Blackhawks' Top Goalie Prospects Makes NHL Debut Against New Jersey Devils Saturday

The Chicago Blackhawks are starting prospect Drew Commesso in the net against the New Jersey Devils today, his first career NHL start.

Do you think goalie Drew Commesso of the Chicago Blackhawks can step-up and deliver a win today against the New Jersey Devils?