Blackhawks Experimenting With 2nd Line Middle Position

0 Likes

September 30, 2024

There have been experimentations on the second line middle function for the Chicago Blackhawks to date in coaching camp. The crew has a handful of choices despite the fact that one might have stood out sufficient to get the ball rolling on the season.

Head coach Luke Richardson spoke at first of coaching camp noting that “I feel we will experiment with that (second line middle function). (Philipp) Kurashev did a terrific job evolving (into an NHL middle)…by default as a result of we would have liked him there at middle final 12 months, and I feel he received extra comfy as he went alongside.”

Kurashev was on the highest line wing for almost all of the season alongside Connor Bedard, however the Blackhawks rookie sensation additionally missed 14 video games. This took out an enormous piece at middle and it was up to some gamers to step in and be requested a number of.

As Kurashev performed middle earlier in his profession, it was solely a matter of getting again within the swing of issues. Doing so on the NHL stage is an entire new beast to tame although. It’s a lot to ask of him to step as much as be the full-time primary middle, however good factor that does not must occur with Bedard on the crew. Whereas much less difficult, Kurashev might slot in properly on the second line with formidable linemates that may make life simpler.

Whereas talking on Kurashev’s chance of enjoying the second line middle this season, Richardson additionally acknowledged, “That is what often occurs. The gamers present you. You may put them the place you need and hope, nevertheless it often finally ends up being them exhibiting you.”

That is what coaching camp and the season is for. Nothing is ready in stone and features are going to alter over the course of the season with accidents and chilly stretches.

Lukas Reichel is an alternative choice within the top-6. He was tried at middle final season, however might see extra time on the wing because it seems like he is settling in there once more. He had a rocky 2023-24 season that noticed him play in each the NHL and AHL, however he has appeared good and confirmed sufficient to get top-6 minutes. That is what the Blackhawks had hoped for final season, however one 12 months later is not too late.

Andreas Athanasiou was trying like an choice to some to minimize the center on the second line, nevertheless it seems like he is falling properly into the fourth line middle function between Maroon and Smith. He is been described as a dependable veteran line Richardson can belief.

The ultimate choice is Jason Dickinson. Whereas he took a serious step offensively final season when it was desperately wanted, he’s the proper third line middle. The very underrated and stable two-way participant can shut opponents down from the third line and now has the boldness in scoring to be a menace at each ends of the ice. He did get greater than sufficient time as a top-6 middle final season, however the Blackhawks could be a lot deeper with him on the third line.

I feel it shakes out precisely as described. Kurashev begins the season because the second line middle with Reichel on his wing. Dickinson suits properly into the third line middle function proper behind them, and Athanasiou will get again into the swing of issues from the fourth line.

When final season completed, not many would have predicted Kurashev could be break up up from Bedard and centering his personal line, however it’s a nice time to experiment for the Blackhawks as they attempt to discover what works greatest.