Blackhawks AM Analysis: With Hall Out, Any Chance At Reichel Moving Up?

It was in the AM Analysis following the Blackhawks 5-3 loss on Saturday night. Be patient with Lukas Reichel. It’s unlikely he gets to go up a line, but there could be some benefit in there.

The Blackhawks have committed to Reichel playing down the middle, centering the second line behind Connor Bedard’s. Through six games, he has no points and frustration certainly seems part of those struggles.

Hockey, like anything, has its mental component. Now, it’s only a half dozen games into the season and there’s plenty of time to figure things out. In his first six games last season, he had a pair of goals and assists. He’d go onto to record a point in each of his next three game after that. But there was a gap of three months between game four and five.

It was also against a caliber of opponent much different than what he’s faced this season.

Nick Foligno had the reps on the top line during practice on Monday. It certainly seems like Reichel is set at center.

But if maybe he’s snakebitten or can’t get on the board, perhaps a shuffle up to the top line could help?

Blackhawks Get Bruins Again As Schedule Gauntlet Continues

It was the Bruins home opener and Bedard’s first NHL goal. They also had some chances to make some noise in the game. Ultimately, it went in Boston’s favor and now they arrive in Chicago as the third undefeated team in a row the Hawks have to face.

Colorado (Loss 4-0), Vegas (Loss 5-3), and now the Bruins. What’s a team gotta do to get a break? It likely won’t happen with Boston who have David Pastrnak tearing it up with five goals and eight points in five games.

More in the today’s preview later today, but if there’s any positive with the tough start to the schedule, the kids are learning lessons right off the bat against the best.

It may not be easy at times to watch now, but it’ll pay off later.