Chicago Blackhawks
It’s time for the Blackhawks to shake up the top line
The Chicago Blackhawks have a scoring problem. The Hawks are tied for the eighth worst goals per game on average – with just 2.57 goals. Additionally, last season, the Blackhawks were last in the NHL in scoring.
The Blackhawks want to generate more offense, and all things considered they should this season compared to last. That is what happens when you have a healthy Taylor Hall set to play more then just ten games, add Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen in the offseason and bring back a more experienced Connor Bedard for his sophomore season.
While the Blackhawks should be better offensively, they really haven’t been that great. At five on five, the Hawks have scored just 11 goals through seven games. Additionally, according to Natural Stat Trick the Hawks have just an expected goals for of 13.41, so it isn’t like they are getting completely shut out by a star goaltender across the ice – former Blackhawk Kevin Lankinen managed to post a .912 save percentage against the Hawks last night.
Now, with the Blackhawks struggling to produce offensively, the time might be coming to change things up on the top line, especially with Connor Bedard struggling to find the back of the net.
Bedard has just one goal in seven games this season. He leads the team in shot on goal with 25 but has struggled to find the back of the net. It might be time to switch out one of his linemates.
The Blackhawks can benefit from a change to the top line.
Nick Foligno turns 37 on Halloween. The longtime NHL veteran and captain is a great leader for the Blackhawks, but he might not be the best choice for Luke Richardson to bring out the best in Connor Bedard offensively.
Instead of Foligno with Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen, the Blackhawks could try a guy like Taylor Hall with the duo. Hall has definitely improved over the last few games and he is starting to find his game after a long time off with an injury.
Pairing Hall with Bedard and Teravainen seems like the long term answer for this season, and with the offense struggling, now is the time.
Opponents playing the Blackhawks know offense runs through Bedard. Because of that, Bedard is being covered more aggressively both on the power play and on five on five. Bedard needs skilled linemates who can drive the play just as much as him.
Moving Hall up also gives Richardson the opportunity to make the bottom six all the more lethal. Foligno and Jason Dickinson spent a lot of time together last season, including with Joey Anderson. The Hawks have seen Foligno thrive in a third line role. He can do that again, while still being the leader and voice of the team.
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