From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Blackhawks' Speed Strategy Test
Blackhawks' full-strength lineup tests speed to pressure opponents as Jeff Blashill pushes for puck control.
In brief
Blackhawks' full-strength lineup tests speed to pressure opponents as Jeff Blashill pushes for puck control. Blackhawks' new forward lineup with Connor Bedard healthy aims to use speed for puck pressure but must prove offensive-zone effectiveness. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Blackhawks' New Forward Lineup
Connor Bedard's return to health gives Blackhawks four legitimate NHL-caliber forward lines for the first time in years.
First Line: Scoring Threats
First line features Connor Bedard, Patrick Kane, and Roman Kantserov with three dangerous scoring threats.
Second Line: Smart Defense
Second line with Anton Frondell and Tyler Bertuzzi balances offensive and defensive effectiveness.
Checking Line: Solid Execution
Checking line of Ryan Greene, Jordan Greenway, and Cole Smith performs its role effectively.
Additional Players
Frank Nazar (back from suspension), Oliver Moore, and Ryan Donato provide the final line with developing chemistry.
Team Strengths
Blackhawks' speed and work ethic are their primary strengths despite defensive weaknesses.
Defensive Challenges
Blackhawks lack a clear No. 1 defenseman and have inexperienced defensive corps.
Forechecking Strategy
Coach Jeff Blashill wants Blackhawks to use speed to pressure opponents through aggressive forechecking.
“If we spend a whole bunch of time defending, all the warts that we have defensively will show up”
Puck Pressure Goal
Blackhawks need to control the puck and minimize defensive weaknesses through aggressive forechecking.
“We want to be a team that is on top of people. We want to use our speed to pressure. We want to be a puck-pursuit team”
Forecheck Mechanics
2-1-2 forecheck involves two forwards pressing opposing defenseman with F3 providing support.
Execution Issues
Early games showed Hawks were too passive, too aggressive, or a mix of both in forechecking.
Recent Improvement
Hawks improved forechecking with Teuvo Teravainen's goal after Frondell and Bertuzzi's perfect forecheck.
“They’ve improved as October has gone on, setting a new high water mark Tuesday when Frond: Frondell and Bertuzzi’s perfect forecheck set up Teuvo Teravainen’s opening goal”
Shots Per Game
Blackhawks have attempted fewer shots than opponents in seven of eight games this season.
Historical Context
Blackhawks have fewer shots than opponents in 61 of 82 games last season and 66 of 82 in Bedard's rookie season.
Next Steps
Blackhawks must improve offensive-zone time and shot attempts to control puck possession.
The short version
Blackhawks' new forward lineup with Connor Bedard healthy aims to use speed for puck pressure but must prove offensive-zone effectiveness.
