New Lines for the Blackhawks- What Did King Get Right and Wrong?
As reported by Charlie Roumeliotis on Twitter and discussed here by our own Skyler Walker:
https://www.hawksinsider.com/Derek-King-has-Separated-The-Best-Blackhawks-Line-Whole-Lineup-114274&s=15
Derek King is juggling the lines as the Chicago Blackhawks near the end of the season. It makes sense, of course, the Blackhawks are not going to the post-season, and they are entering a rebuild. Do the line changes make sense? Is there a better option? Let's take a look.
First line: T. Johnson/Kurashev- Toews - Kane
I am all for Toews and Kane playing together right now. It's likely that one, or both, won't be here for the rebuild, so allow them some time on the ice together and put other lines together that might actually be a part of the build. It seems more logical at this point that Toews could be moved. I would assume that the Blackhawks would have to pick up part of his salary for a year, but would be worth it in the long run. Gain another prospect and send the captain somewhere he would be happy. My only problem with this line is Tyler Johnson at Left Wing. Over the past six seasons, Johnson has had a favorable percentage at the faceoff dot. The Blackhawks are woeful in the faceoff circle. I don't see the Blackhawks moving Johnson any time soon, and he has two more years on his contract. Put him at center where he belongs and work around him. If Toews is gone, that would leave Strome and Johnson as the only viable faceoff guys on the roster. Plus, Kurashev will benefit playing alongside the future Hall of Famers.
Second line: DeBrincat - Strome - Raddysh
Yes, yes and yes. To me this is a solid grouping to build around. Of course, we don't know if Strome is going to be brought back. Perhaps, this is the test that will determine that. If management feels like his recent success has partially been due to playing with Kane and DeBrincat, this should help clarify just where Strome is. Plus, this group was great in Eerie. In their last season together there, they combined for 414 points between regular season and playoffs. This is a great chance for King and Davidson to find out if the magic is still there. Love this move.
Third Line: Reichel - Dach - Lafferty
I like this line. It's young, hungry and scrappy. It would be nice to see Reichel playing with Kane, but let's be honest, the future is likely going to be with Dach or Lafferty. Dach has a lot to prove here. Since his injury to his wrist, he has never regained his touch. He always seems just on the verge of becoming what we all think he can be. Maybe the inspired play of Lafferty and the scoring touch of Reichel can bring that out. Plus, they won't see the other team's top defenders, so that should help all of them.
Fourth Line: Kubalik/Katchouk - R. Johnson - Entwistle/Borgstrom
I have a lot of problems with this line. Kubalik is not going to be with the Blackhawks much longer, and he should not be. After a small sample size and not a lot of success, Katchouk should join Rockford. In his place, the Blackhawks should bring up Michal Teply. He normally plays right wing, but could use his right handed shot much like DeBrincat. Teply is big- 6'3» tall and 187 pounds. He can withstand the rigors of the NHL. In 49 games with Rockford, Teply has 22 points. That doesn't sound great, but he didn't score in the first 15 games, so his game has steadily improved as the season progressed. Reese Johnson should be out at center and Tyler Johnson should fill that role for the aforementioned reasons. Right wing should be Entwistle. He has shown glimpses of being a really solid bottom six guy. With the right grouping, he could excel. Borgstrom should be sent to Rockford to prepare for the playoffs.
First Line: Kurashev - Toews - Kane
Second Line: DeBrincat - Strome - Raddysh
Third Line: Reichel - Dach - Lafferty
Fourth Line: Teply - T. Johnson - Entwistle
