Is Blackhawks Lukas Reichel ready for a full-time role in the lineup?
Lukas Reichel hasn't had the best start to the year, as he was a healthy scratch this season, he didn't have the confidence of GM Kyle Davidson, and Coach Luke Richardson.
Luke Richardson decided to try another kind of magic, and took Ryan Donato out of the lineup, while Reichel got a shot on the 4th line, with Craig Smith and Andreas Athanasiou.
The magic looks to have paid off, as Lukas Reichel is now a point-per-game player!
Last night, despite the 4-2 loss to Buffalo, was Richardson right to make such a drastic change to the lines? Craig Smith wowed us all, with 2 goals against Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, and both goals had an assist by Lukas Reichel.
A genius move right?
Prior to Lukas Reichel's insertion into the lineup, Donato had only produced 1 goal in 3 games.
And while Donato has proven himself to be an effective forechecker, the production doesn't lie.
Is this good enough for the Blackhawks? While it is definitely late for Reichel to start producing consistently, it would be more impressive, if he Andreas Athanasiou, and Craig Smith could find a way to become a reliable part of the offense.
Reichel found his game during the IIHF World Championships and scored 7 points( 3 G, 4 A) in 6 games. If he can continue to produce like he did in the IIHF, and the AHL he could remain a Chicago Blackhawk.
Let's hope that this is the first part of Reichel's resurgence on the Blackhawk's fourth line.
For now, we have to remain skeptical that he's ready to take initiative and shoot the puck more, along with connecting with his teammates on important plays, like last night.
There will be tougher teams than the Buffalo Sabres, and that will be the true test when the Blackhawks run into a squad like the New York Rangers.
That's how we will know Reichel is back for sure.
