Mrazek dazzles in Blackhawks' win over Avs: 'I can still play'
The Chicago Blackhawks' 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday was a statement game for veteran goaltender Petr Mrazek.
"I was just battling since I returned (from injury). ... I knew I can make some saves," he said postgame, per the Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope. "I knew there was going to be a game that I can prove I can still play the game."
Mrazek enjoyed an admirable start to the 2024-25 campaign with a .905 save percentage and 2.86 goals-against average in 19 appearances while backstopping a basement-dwelling Blackhawks team.
The 32-year-old then missed six games in December after suffering a groin injury. Mrazek struggled mightily in his first three games back:
| Opponent | Result | SA | GA | xGA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flames (Dec. 21) | 6-4 L | 29 | 5 | 2.19 | .828 |
| Sabres (Dec. 27) | 6-2 L (pulled after 1st) | 11 | 4 | 0.96 | .636 |
| Blues (Dec. 31) | 6-2 L | 28 | 6 | 3.71 | .786 |
Mrazek was outstanding Wednesday, though, turning aside 35 of 36 shots while preventing 2.16 goals above expected at all strengths, according to Natural Stat Trick.
"Obviously, he made some big saves there, some really hard saves, right? On some really good players," interim head coach Anders Sorensen said, per the Chicago Tribune's Phillip Thompson.
Colorado dominated everywhere but the scoresheet, dictating 55.5% of the shot attempts, 61.8% of the scoring chances, and 64.2% of the expected goals while holding a 13-8 edge over the Blackhawks in high-danger opportunities.
The performance marked Mrazek's first win since Nov. 27.
Connor Bedard said Mrazek was "unbelievable" against the Avalanche and didn't let his netminder shoulder all the blame for his difficult stretch.
"It's hard to say he's had a rough go when we were giving up a lot of grade-A scoring chances," Bedard said, according to CHGO Sports. "Today, we gave some up as well, but he was there to bail us out. That's what he does. He's been so good for us.
"Him and (Arvid Soderblom) have both been the backbones of our team. We feel confident with either, and Petr is always great, so obviously great to see that tonight."
It was also a big night for Bedard, who extended his point streak to eight games with a goal and an assist.
Next up for the Blackhawks is a clash against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.