Blackhawks' Interim Coach Anders Sorensen Makes A Statement About Managing Expectations

Being a Head Coach in the NHL comes with responsibilities, and one of those is managing the expectations of your bosses, and your players.

The Blackhawks have had new blood continually trickle into the lineup, whether by injury or promotion.

Lately, we've seen guys like Frank Nazar, Landon Slaggert, Ethan Del Mastro, Wyatt Kaiser, and Nolan Allan find their way into the Blackhawks lineup this season.

While Sorensen's happy to be able to give younger players as much ice time as he can, the situation in the AHL where he's come from, is quite different than the NHL.

The Blackhawks should be playing younger players, and finding a balance in the lineup to improve their standings, as they have a mix of rookies and veterans.

Mark Lazerus asked Sorensen how he managed the expectations of players in the lineup.

While inevitably, the Blackhawks need to develop their prospects GM Kyle Davidson prefers they cut their teeth in the AHL.

This has proven to be a successful method for the Blackhawks defenseman who have been able to be impact players after a successful stint in Rockford.

For example, Alex Vlasic, who played 56 games in Rockford, has found himself in the Blackhawks' "top four" defensive pairings. He's also earned special teams assignments on the power play.

He is a testament to homegrown talent, who was born in Wilmette, IL.

The Blackhawks can't rely on veterans forever, and they'll have to sell them eventually aside from players who could stick around longer than the rebuild should last.

It might be Nick Foligno, it might not.

But Sorensen's philosophy has a healthy balance of giving veterans, and prospects ample time to play. While respecting the prospects' need to observe mistakes in their game and give them time to rest, and learn.

The Blackhawks' record with Sorensen is 8-14-3. We expected a quick turnaround, and we might have to adjust our attitude accordingly at the moment.