Analysis
The Blackhawks Power Play Struggles Stem from One Big Issue
The Chicago Blackhawks power play left much to be desired last night, failing to convert on either of two chances against the Detroit Red Wings.
Scoring a power play goal could have made a difference last night. A 3-1 loss to the Red Wings would have been a lot closer and maybe even changed the outcome if Chicago managed to score – especially on the team’s second period power play.
The Hawks first power play of the night started with the top unit on the ice, that includes Connor Bedard, Lukas Reichel, Ryan Donato, Tyler Bertuzzi and Seth Jones. Donato went into the face-off against Dylan Larkin and the Hawks failed to establish possession, the Red Wings cleared and what ensued was over a minute of the Hawks chasing the puck up and down the ice trying to set up in the offensive zone.
The Blackhawks have struggled in the face-off dot this season. Going into last night’s game, Connor Bedard has the team’s worst face-off percentage at 30.1 percent. Part of Ryan Donato’s appeal on the top line has to include the fact that he can win face-offs. Donato is a 51.7 percent in the face-off dot and Kurashev is also strong at 48.3 percent.
If the Hawks cannot win the face-off on the power play, what ensues is 30 to 60 seconds of the team just trying to get back into the offensive zone.
The Blackhawks three best centers have been Jason Dickinson, Nick Foligno and Philipp Kurashev. Maybe it’s time to put Dickinson on the top power play unit just to have him take the face-off and then leave the ice? Something needs to change.
Blackhawks in the dot last night:
The Blackhawks finished the night actually strong in the face-off dot, winning over 50 percent on the night. Still, the Hawks need to improve down the middle to really stay in games. Starting with possession is the best way to succeed.
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