The Chicago Blackhawks are back in action tonight at the United Center, hosting the Anaheim Ducks for their seventh game of the season.
This year marks the beginning of a new era under head coach Jeff Blashill, and it already feels very different compared to the Luke Richardson years.
A Different Training Camp, a Clearer Plan
From day one of training camp, you could feel Blashill’s fingerprints all over this team.
Coming from the Tampa Bay Lightning system, where he worked under Jon Cooper, Blashill arrived in Chicago with a specific plan — focused on structure, execution, and accountability.
He wasted no time implementing his methods. Practices were intense, organized, and filled with repetition. His whistle never stopped. Every drill had purpose.
Blashill demanded effort, precision, and attention to detail.
And it’s starting to show.
After six games, the Blackhawks sit at 2-2-2, and while the record might not look flashy, the reality is that every loss — two in regulation and two in overtime — was decided by a single goal.
That’s exactly what you want to see from a rebuilding team learning to compete every night.
Comparing Year-to-Year Progress
| Season | Record | GF | GA | Diff | PP % | PK % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 2-3-1 | 15 | 18 | −3 | 29.4 % | 87.5 % |
| 2025-26 | 2-2-2 | 20 | 17 | +3 | 21.1 % | 82.1 % |
he special-teams numbers are a bit lower, but the goal differential tells the story — +3 instead of −3. (+6)
That’s a six-goal swing early in the season, and it reflects a team defending and competing much better five-on-five.
The departure of Seth Jones hurts the penalty kill, but overall the Blackhawks’ defensive structure is tighter, their breakouts are cleaner, and their puck support has improved.
The Blashill Effect
Blashill isn’t just focused on systems — he’s focused on development. His plan is to make every player better.
He gives responsibility to young players, keeps the veterans engaged, and expects buy-in from everyone.
It’s not about shortcuts. It’s about learning how to win the right way.
You can already see the difference:
- Connor Bedard looks hungrier and more aggressive — he’s playing with a mission.
- Frank Nazar and Spencer Knight brought early energy to the roster.
- Wyatt Kaiser, Alex Vlasic, and Sam Rinzel are all contributing with more confidence and better reads.
- The addition of André Burakovsky gives the top six more poise and experience.
A Young Team Finding Its Identity
Chicago remains one of the youngest teams in the NHL — 26.04 years on average.
The mix includes 9 players aged 30 and over, 5 between 24 and 29, and 9 under 23.
That means there’s still a lack of NHL experience, but the direction is positive.
The Blackhawks are learning how to play structured, competitive hockey again. Their habits are improving. Their defensive reads are cleaner. Their compete level is consistent.
Yes, there’s still work to do, but this is what a rebuild should look like — progress, not perfection.
Final Thought
Six games don’t define a season, but they can reveal an identity. Under Jeff Blashill, the Blackhawks look more mature and more connected.
They’re not there yet, but the foundation is being laid — brick by brick, shift by shift.
Fans can finally see it: a plan, a system, and a reason to believe again.
KEEP READING:
Blackhawks Monday Recap: NHL Opening Week
Hawks Search For The Right Fit Beside Bedard
Blackhawks Begin Their Next Chapter in Florida
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