Tonight is game one of a seven game home stand for the Blackhawks, and it starts with the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.
Despite the fact that the Hawks have got better as the season’s gone on, they are still 1-4-0 entering tonight.
“the last two games have been a huge step in the right direction, last game i thought we did tons of good stuff, i thought we played the way we need to play to be effective.” Jeff Blashill (via CHGO Blackhawks)
Not only are the Hawks really feeling the absence of Connor Bedard, but now they have to go without Frank Nazar for two games while he serves his suspension.
Blackhawks projected lines:
Lardis – Greene – Kane
Bertuzzi – Frondell – Kantserov
Donato – Toninato – Teravainen
Smith – Moore – Greenway
Byram – Levshunov
Vlasic – Cole
Kaiser – RInzel
Spencer Knight will start tonight.
Ryan Greene moved up to the first line center spot. I’ve said multiple times lately that Ryan Greene could be the stability that the top six needs, and now he gets his shot. “he’s not chaotic…he can help settle any line down” Jeff Blashill after morning skate (Via CHGO Blackhawks)
Nick Lardis might be the most underwhelming forward so far this season. He’s mostly played bottom six minutes but was moved up to the top line last game. It looks as though Lardis will start tonight with the top line.
Jeff Blashill talked about depth scoring being an issue, if Lardis can find his game that will be a big boost for the Hawks. Lardis scored at a 20-goal pace last season.
Roman Kantserov has an underwhelming zero points in his first five games this season, leaving fans wanting more. Kantserov was expected to be a top six contributor upon arrival this season.
Jeff Blashill came to the young Russian’s defense this morning “I don’t believe in small sample sizes, if he keeps doing what he is doing he is going to have plenty of points in this league.” (Via CHGO Blackhawks)
Kantserov has done the little things right, and at times has been very noticeable with his speed and physicality. The change from the KHL to the NHL is a big one and it may take time for Kantserov to find his best game.
It has been stated many times, but the key to success tonight for the Blackhawks is simple, smart hockey. Make the safe play, gets pucks on net, and play as a unit. Often these are cliches, but if the Hawks want to beat the Hurricanes they need to play that way.
What I’ll be watching for:
- Special teams: the Hawks powerplay has been a non factor this season, only converting on an embarrassing 8.3% of opportunities. I may sound like a broken record, but clean zone entries are key. If they can get in, they already move the puck well. Maybe shoot more? The penalty kill hasn’t been much better, only clicking at a 64.3% success rate.
- Bowen Byram: through four games, Byram is a -6 with zero points. I don’t think anyone expected a start like this, especially after how dominant he was in preseason. Byram is a huge part of this team, if things are going to turn around, he needs to lead the charge.
- Spencer Knight: Having a goalie like Knight gives your team a chance to win every night. The Hawks haven’t given Knight enough help offensively this season, and they need to tonight. Knight has the ability to win them this game, but the offense needs to do it’s part and pot more than 1-2 goals.
Hurricanes projected lines:
Carrier -Aho – Svechnikov
Hall – Stankoven – Blake
Ehlers – Staal – Martinook
Robinson – Jankowski – Kotkaniemi
Slavin – Chatfield
Miller – Walker
Gostisbehere – Reilly
Bussi/Kochetkov