Blackhawks return home 0-3-0 after better effort in Buffalo loss

The Blackhawks wrapped their season-opening road trip with another loss, dropping a 4-3 regulation decision in Buffalo, according to www.bleachernation.com. The effort was better than Utah. There were parts of the game that went well.

The final score wasn’t what anyone wanted. And the Blackhawks certainly didn’t want to be coming home 0-3-0 to open the new season.

Now, they’ll need to sort things out and get it together before hosting the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night in the home opener.

BYRAM OUT, RINZEL SCRATCHED

Bowen Byram didn’t play in Buffalo because of a family matter he needed to handle in Chicago, according to www.bleachernation.com. That absence forced the Blackhawks to lean on their young defensemen.

Sam Rinzel was a healthy scratch last night — even with Byram out of the lineup. That smells like a doghouse visit, per www.bleachernation.com. Whether Rinzel is back in the lineup on Tuesday or heading to Rockford is not confirmed.

Coach Jeff Blashill’s postgame comments didn’t do much to clarify the picture. When asked about the two young defensemen who made their season debuts, he mentioned only Ethan Del Mastro, saying he had a solid game and some swagger to his game. No mention of Kevin Korchinski, who was limited to under 12 minutes of ice time.

That silence is notable for a player expected to be part of the core. Del Mastro’s nod suggests he made the most of his opportunity. Korchinski’s quiet night — and quieter mention — leaves the pecking order uncertain heading into the home opener.

BEDARD TIMELINE AND MISSING PIECES

There is some good news on the injury front, but it comes with a caveat. According to Frank Seravalli, Connor Bedard could be back before the end of October, though there is a difference between "a three week window" and anything being imminent. Bedard's exact return date is not confirmed.