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The Chicago Blackhawks dropped their fifth straight game on Friday, falling 4-3 to the Nashville Predators at United Center. Chicago opened the scorin
[See the full post at: Preds Edge Hawks 4-3 in Tough Home Loss]Frenchy, I agree the 12/6 alignment would help the forwards, but Blashill does not use Grzrlcyk, Rinzell or Lev on the PK, plus the 3 of them start less than 10% of their zone starts in the defensive zone. Since Grzelcyk is your third left handed defenseman, unless you stop sheltering either Lev or Rinzel, one of the 2 would have to sit IMO if you only dress 6 D.
Right now Vlasic, Murphy, Crevier are your 3 primary PK er’s then Kaiser is used if Vlasic needs a rest. Obviously Blashill doesn’t think either of Lev or Rinzell are ready to join the PK.
Based on the above, unless an injury, or the Hawks struggle going forward, I see Blashill using the 11/7. Tampa has used the 11/7 often the last few years, so Blashill is comfortable using that alignment.
I agree. Scrap the 11/7 bullshit. You are going to wear down the forwards. If the defensemen can’t play a full game in the NHL, send them down! Tell Blashill to get his head out of his arse!
I think Nazar isn’t 100%, the last few games he has not played with the same want as he has in the beginning of the season.
Bert has got to be way more physical defensively in his own end, and that 3rd goal a lot on Donato for not wanting to get checked along the boards, this team right now is not playing NHL hockey the right way.
If you don’t honor the NHL with taking a hit to make a play, you pay for it in losses.
Rinzel using more and more physicality which is fantastic, Arty, Kaiser, even Vlasic lately are not.
This team has got speed and talent, now they have to get mean and nasty, requirement to play in the NHL, is why Reichel will always struggle.
Thanks for your comment — I totally understand your point of view, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense. But here’s where I see things a bit differently.
Tampa could run an 11/7 because they had elite depth and experienced defensemen for years. Chicago isn’t in that situation right now. At some point this season, Blashill will have to go back to a 12-forward alignment. He’s already running games where only 8 or 9 forwards get real minutes, and that’s not sustainable. You can’t keep shortening the bench every night.
If the goal is truly about development and evaluation, then Rinzel and Levshunov need to be playing 17–18 minutes per game, not being sheltered forever. Even giving them 30 seconds of PK time helps them grow. You can’t expect these young guys to take on bigger responsibilities later if you never give them small steps now.
Winning games is important — no question — but for a rebuilding team like Chicago, the long-term success depends on getting these young defensemen experience in all situations. At some point, Blashill has to recognize that.
Thanks for your comment my friend.
Exactly — enough with the 11/7. The Hawks need a proper 12/6 lineup.
Thanks for your comment. Great point about the physicality. When I talk about the IDENTITY of this team, that’s exactly what I mean. Without Foligno, the Hawks don’t have enough grit or pushback. Same issue we see in Detroit — it can work during the season, but once you get to playoff-style hockey, forget it. At some point, Davidson needs to add more size and sandpaper in the bottom-six if this team wants to take the next step.
Thanks for your comment — I totally understand your point of view, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense. But here’s where I see things a bit differently.
Tampa could run an 11/7 because they had elite depth and experienced defensemen for years. Chicago isn’t in that situation right now. At some point this season, Blashill will have to go back to a 12-forward alignment. He’s already running games where only 8 or 9 forwards get real minutes, and that’s not sustainable. You can’t keep shortening the bench every night.
If the goal is truly about development and evaluation, then Rinzel and Levshunov need to be playing 17–18 minutes per game, not being sheltered forever. Even giving them 30 seconds of PK time helps them grow. You can’t expect these young guys to take on bigger responsibilities later if you never give them small steps now.
Winning games is important — no question — but for a rebuilding team like Chicago, the long-term success depends on getting these young defensemen experience in all situations. At some point, Blashill has to recognize that.
I agree, both should be playing in Rockford in all situations, like Korchinski is.
Will be interesting to see as the schedule gets into games 40-50 if the youngsters that haven’t played as much playing college (Lev’ Rinzel, Moore, Greene) hit a wall as the games get more physical as the season goes along.
I agree, both should be playing in Rockford in all situations, like Korchinski is.
I still agree 100%.
Give Arty and Rinzel 2 week stints *separately* in RFD.
1) It will reduce the protection and increase the minutes of the one who is in Chicago.
2) The one in RFD does not just go to 17-18, they can play a heavy 22-23 minutes and all situations.
3) The AHL schedule is not as packed as the NHL. So, while the one in RFD plays big minutes each game,
the schedule is lighter, so the young body can get used to the work load. (10 Dec games vs 14 for the Hawks)I’m crossing my fingers, but I’m not holding my breath.
🤘
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