3 least impressive players from Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 Winter Classic loss to St. Louis Blues

The Chicago Blackhawks dropped a 6-2 decision against the St. Louis Blues at the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Eve. The Blackhawks hung tough during the first period, but the Blues pulled away in the second, scoring three unanswered goals.

Cam Fowler scored twice for the St. Louis Blues, with Jordan Kyrou, Justin Faulk, Dylan Holloway, and Alexandre Texier adding the other tallies. Meanwhile, Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi scored for the Chicago Blackhawks.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the three least impressive Chicago Blackhawks players from the Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues.

3 least impressive Chicago Blackhawks players from Winter Classic loss to St. Louis Blues

#3 Alex Vlasic

Vlasic has been one of the most noticeable up-and-coming players on the Chicago Blackhawks roster. However, he was mostly a non-factor on New Year’s Eve. Vlasic played 23.:45, getting a team-high 29 shifts.

Vlasic finished the night a minus-1, with two shots on goal. He blocked three but wasn’t a dominant force on the ice. 5-on-5, Vlasic handled himself well playing alongside Louis Crevier.

Shorthanded, Vlasic and the entire Blackhawks' defensive core struggled, giving up two power play goals. Blackhawks fans would have expected more from Vlasic on a national stage.

#2 Connor Bedard

Chicago fans came out to see budding star Connor Bedard light up the scoreboard. However, the phenom failed to shine in the game, playing 21:05 over 26 shifts. He had one shot on goal ending the game a minus-1.

While Bedard registered an assist on Bertuzzi’s third-period goal, the goal was largely inconsequential with the score at 5-2 with about 10 minutes to go. 5-on-5, Bedard and his linemates were unable to generate much offense, failing to get the Hawks back in the game.

#1 Peter Mrazek

Chicago Blackhawks starting netminder Peter Mrazek had a forgettable night as he gave up six goals on 28 shots. While the six goals can’t be solely blamed on Mrazek, he wasn’t able to bail out his teammates following defensive miscues.

A good example is Fowler’s first goal of the game. With the poor defensive coverage on their end, the Blackhawks left Fowler wide open to take a shot from the high slot. The shot should have stopped and his reaction underscored that Mrazek felt he should have made the save.

While Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen screened Mrazek as he stumbled in front of the net, an NHL-caliber starting goaltender should have tracked the puck and at least been close to making the save.

Instead, the shot got through and gave the Blues the early lead. That first goal set the tone for a disappointing performance from the Blackhawks’ netminder and the team.