Chicago Blackhawks forward André Burakovsky snapped a 19-game goal drought with a score against the Utah Mammoth in a 3-2 victory on March 9. Assisted by linemates Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene, the goal marked a rewarding moment amid his recent struggles. Coach Jeff Blashill praised Burakovsky's work ethic for keeping him on the top line.
André Burakovsky's goal against the Utah Mammoth on March 9 ended a 19-game stretch without scoring, during which he managed only one point overall. The Blackhawks secured a 3-2 win, providing a boost for the forward who had started the season strongly with 17 points in his first 20 games, primarily alongside Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene on the top line.
The drought began in January, yet coach Jeff Blashill maintained Burakovsky's position, citing his dedication. After the game, Blashill said, “Again, you know, it’s interesting, like… guys have to produce. I get it, but there’s a lot more that goes into it. And, you know, if he wasn’t working as hard as he’s worked, if he wasn’t caring as much as he’s cared, you know, maybe we don’t keep him up there. But I just felt like he was working so hard. He was competing hard. He cares a ton, and eventually, it felt like it was going to happen for him, and glad that it did. And he’s a good person, and again, he’s a big part of our group.”
On March 11, Burakovsky reflected positively: “I mean, I’m feeling good. I think… even though the points and stuff haven’t come, and I haven’t scored, I think there’s still been a lot of games where I felt really good and played really good, and making sure my teammates are playing good, and helping them to create, so playing good defense. Even though the points haven’t been there, I think there’s been really good games where I walked away from the game and was happy about it. But yeah, last game was nice. We got a win. That was huge for us, and obviously nice to get on the board again.”
Teammate Ryan Greene, who assisted on the goal, noted the common nature of slumps: “I think that’s just something that happens to everybody. I feel like everybody, at certain points throughout a season, throughout their career, go through little scoring slumps like that. ... But yeah, really happy for him, and yeah, we had some fun in the huddle there after he scored.”
The top line of Burakovsky, Bedard, and Greene has played 29 games together this season, generating 17 goals for the Blackhawks. Burakovsky described their chemistry: “It’s been great. I mean, we’re aligned- all three of us. We want to create a lot. We’re skate players. We have a lot of speed on our line, and we should create a lot, and I think we have. So, no, I think it’s been really good. We enjoy playing with each other, and hopefully we’re going to continue to do that.”
Blashill observed no major shift post-goal but highlighted relief: “I’ll give Burky a lot of credit as he’s gone through the scoring struggles; he hasn’t brought the team down with him... hopefully, that opens the floodgates for him.” With 31 points in 58 games, Burakovsky ranks fourth in scoring for Chicago. His 12-year NHL experience and positive attitude, including his family's enjoyment of Chicago, contribute to his resilience.
Burakovsky's conduct underscores a team-oriented approach, even in tough times, fostering a supportive environment.
