Blackhawks No. 1 goalie Petr Mrazek just signed a two-year contract extension that pays $4.25 million annually, but backup Arvid Söderblom will start on Wednesday against the Kraken in Seattle.
See Mrazek in the video.
Mrazek likely will start on Thursday at Edmonton against the surging Oilers who have won 14 straight, a record for a Canadian NHL team.
Defenseman Jarred Tinordi will return to Chicago's lineup against the Kraken with rookie Isaak Phillips sitting out. The Blackhawks will try to avenge a 7-1 loss at Seattle on Dec. 14 when Söderblom started and got little support.
Struggling 21-year-old forward Lukas Reichel will be a healthy scratch for a second straight game on Wednesday. Regarded as Chicago's top forward prospect before now-injured Connor Bedard arrived, Reichel has just three goals and six assists in 45 games this season.
Coach Luke Richardson said he reviewed video with the 2020 first-round draft pick again on Wednesday morning and wanted Reichel to watch another game from upstairs at press box level.
"Offensively, he's got to find his game a little bit more," Richardson said. "He's got to take charge shooting and controlling the puck."
Mrazek entered Wednesday with a 12-17-1 record, .907 save percentage and 3.01 goals-against average in 32 games so far in 2023-24. The save percentage ranks sixth among all goalies who have played in 32 or more games. His 3.01 goals-against is eighth.
Mrazek has been terrific lately. In seven starts since NHL leading rookie scorer Connor Bedard suffered a broken jaw on Jan. 5, Mrazek is 3-4-0 with a 2.15 GAA and .924 save percentage.
During the span, Chicago has allowed 23 goals, a 2.55 goals-against average. Only three teams — Winnipeg, Vancouver and Los Angeles — have lower goals-against marks for the season.
Richardson is happy to have Mrazek healthy and in the fold after groin injuries dogged the 31-year-old Czech goalie over the past two seasons See video.
Mrazek has started seven of Chicago's last eight games. Söderblom was last in nets on Jan. 18 in a 3-0 loss at Buffalo.