Andreas Athanasiou scores incredible goal seconds into his debut game

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Finnegan Frost
November 13, 2024 (2:09 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have recently placed forward Andreas Athanasiou on waivers, but he's clearly playing with some fury, scoring an incredible goal just seconds into his first game with the Hawks affiliate AHL in Rockford.

The Rockford Ice Hogs are taking on the Grand Rapids in an AHL matinee matchup, and Chicago Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou is clearly playing with a chip on his shoulder this afternoon.

Just 30 seconds into the first period, Athanasiou took the puck in the neutral zone, showcasing his blistering speed with a gorgeous power move to the front of the net, notching the opening goal of the game.

However, Andreas Athanasiou was recently placed on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks organization. It seems that head coach Luke Richardson has voiced quite a bit of frustration regarding Athanasiou's game, hinting that his play on the ice needs to match his confidence.

"We need him to just go play some games and get his skill matched up with his confidence," Richardson said.
-Luke Richardson

Perhaps some time spent in Rockford is exactly what he needs to get his game going. Regardless, Athanasiou clearly looks motivated and ready to prove he still belongs at the NHL level.

Athanasiou appeared in just five NHL games and didn't record a point in the season's early going as he fell out of favor in the Blackhawks' forward group. The veteran forward scored 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 2022-23, his first season in Chicago, but has been plagued by injuries and underperformance since signing a two-year extension.
-On Tap

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