Luke Richardson makes several odd lineup decisions for Mondays matchup vs Avalanche
The Chicago Blackhawks will look different tonight according to a projected lineup posted by the Chicago Sun-Times Ben Pope.
Luke Richardson has gotten out his line blender once again and has switched up three major pieces in the lineup.
The Blackhawks who will line up against the Avalanche tonight, will see Nick Foligno take over for Philipp Kurashev on the 2nd line between Taylor Hall, and Tyler Bertuzzi being the first major move.
Kurashev instead will return to flanking Bedard on the wing where he was last season, where he was a reliable linemate with Connor Bedard.
Kurashev himself has only 1 goal in eight games this season, so is Luke Richardson trying to find a new way to spark offense? This could be it, as it didn't appear Lukas Reichel was that much of a factor on the 1st line.
Lukas Reichel
Richardson has decided to staple Reichel to where he's been the most productive, centering Pat Maroon, and Craig Smith. A legitimate frankenstein line if there ever was one. But they do produce results, with Reichel posting 3 points in 5 games, and assisting Craig Smith in all 3 of his goals.
Obviously one of the Blackhawk's best checking, and offensive lines this season!
Taking a look at MoneyPuck's advanced stats provides an interesting insight into this movie as I feel they overrate Tyler Bertuzzi too highly.
Reichel's produced far more points than Bertuzzi on the ice this season, yet is rated lower on MoneyPuck's stat lines as far as Blackhawks players go.
It goes to show, stat nerds aren't always correct, but they do help account for players abilities. Bertuzzi only has 2 points in 9 games, and hasn't been the revelation the team has needed him to be this season.
3rd Line
Jason Dickinson will still center the 3rd line, this time compared to the lineup versus the Stars, Nick Foligno will take a higher spot in the lineup. This is one of the Blackhawk's best lines and shouldn't be broken up.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Luke Richardson is using the best lines to win against the Colorado Avalanche tonight? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 60 % |
| No | 32 | 40 % |
| List of polls | ||
