Kurashev finally got on the board for the Blackhawks this season.
It took until the third game for Philipp Kurashev to get on the board for the Chicago Blackhawks, but it came at a good time.
The Blackhawks are in need of wins early after dropping the first two games of the season and with the help of Kurashev, the team did just that to now stand at three points in three games.
Kurashev opened the scoring for the Blackhawks and was the only player to score in the first period. This is the first sign of life by him as the center of the second line this season and the goal was assisted by linemate Taylor Hall.
It happened to be Kurashev's birthday, so it was only fitting that the 25-year-old potted one and his team won. He is looking to follow his breakout season up with another good performance, but with the new additions up front, it has pushed him back.
The veterans have not only taken up both wings on the top line where he played all last season beside Connor Bedard, he is also off the top power-play unit.
Kurashev scored 18 goals and 54 points in 75 games last season. This doubled or more than doubled his previous career highs of nine goals and 25 points from the season prior.
With Jason Dickinson doing well as the third line center where he should be, Kurashev is really just the best option to play down the middle on the second line. This should really test him all season away from Bedard and force him to produce without the superstar.
Kurashev does have players like Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi on his line at the moment, but I also think he eventually gets some looks on the top power-play unit as well since he scored six goals and recorded 19 of his points on the man advantage last season.
For the Blackhawks, Kurashev finally getting on the board is a hopeful kicking off point for the season. His line needs to be solid this season if the team has a chance of sniffing playoffs.
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