Lukas Reichel had what I think everyone, including him, would consider to be a disappointing 2023-24 NHL season. In what was supposed to be his first full season in the NHL, he produced only five goals and 11 assists in 65 games with the Blackhawks. And he spent some time trying to find his game back in Rockford, something nobody wanted or expected to happen.
Reichel came up and showed well near the end of last season, displaying his speed and playing confidently. That confidence was the most glaring thing missing from his game this year in Chicago.
The good news for Reichel fans: that confidence has been fully activated while playing for Germany at the World Championship. He was late to join the party, but he hasn’t stopped making an impact since he arrived. Maybe the Blackhawks giving him a two-year extension was enough of a boost in his confidence that he’s ready to roll?
Reichel got three goals — including one on the power play — and four assists for seven points in only five games in the tournament. Here’s his latest goal, the power play marker against France:
Hey #Blackhawks fans — can I interest you in a Lukas Reichel goal already this morning?
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) May 21, 2024
How about this rip for one of his two goals on his birthday?
An excellent forecheck by Germany results in Lukas Reichel making it 4-1. #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/goh4ZXqTxf
— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 17, 2024
And I really like both the effort and creativity that led to his assist on this goal for Germany:
Now it’s 3-3. Wojciech Stachowiak finishes off a scramble, taking Lukas Reichel’s pass and beating Papillon. #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/bcX9tfL3Fj— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 21, 2024
THIS is the player we all want Reichel to be for the Chicago Blackhawks. If he can play the way he has for Germany on the regular next year in the NHL, it’s hard to imagine his production won’t be significantly better. And that will go a long way in helping the Blackhawks be better in the standings as well.
Reichel and Germany will play Philipp Kurashev and Switzerland in the quarterfinal round of the World Championship on Thursday morning (9:20 AM CT). Their game overlaps with Canada vs. Slovakia.
