Blackhawks Banter: What’s Working & What Isn’t

There’s something I really like about that duo. De Haan brings more of defensive punch, while Jones carries the offensive ability to drive plays. It seems like a good yin and yang pairing. Sure, it’s not perfect, but I think they both complement each other well.

Greg: Strome Stays Put

The one thing from this past week I want to keep is exactly where Dylan Strome is in the lineup. He is centering the top line and jumping over the boards with the top power-play unit. We have talked about Strome quite a bit this season. Most of us have been preaching that all Strome needs is some confidence and to be put in a position to succeed. Even Patrick Kane agrees.

Strome is getting both of that and produced two goals and an assist centering Kane and playing on that top power-play unit. He has also developed into the Blackhawks’ best center at the faceoff dot. It has been quite the turnaround over the past few weeks.

Gail: Keep Sitting Gustafsson

Defenseman Erik Gustafsson has sat out for the last two games, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Let’s face it; Gustafsson is not a part of the future for this team. He was mainly brought on as a stopgap due to injuries at the beginning of the season. I don’t see the Blackhawks re-signing him.

The organization has a pretty deep pool of up-and-coming defensive prospects. Jakub Galvas replaced Gustafsson the last two games and did quite well for himself. He picked up right where he left off from his impressive three-game stint in mid-January. Wyatt Kalynuk has suited up for five contests this season. Last season he partook in 21 games and recorded four goals and nine points. Ian Mitchell has played in eight games, and Nicolas Beaudin in two games. Both got a taste of the NHL last season with 39 and 19 contests, respectively.

I could see the organization wanting these players to get more responsibility and big minutes with the Rockford IceHogs, especially if they are going to make a deep playoff run. But I like the idea of sprinkling them in here and there to give them a taste of the NHL. Sure, keep Gustafsson around for some insurance, but I don’t have a problem with him being the odd man out more often than not.

What Isn’t Working for the Blackhawks

Brooke: Kubalik on the Top Line

One thing I would change is Dominik Kubalik on the first line. Because Kubalik has struggled so much this year, it’s been hard to find a lineup spot that will “jump start” his offense, but I don’t like him on the first line with Kane and Strome.

I think he would be better off on the second or third line right now because I don’t see him meshing well on that line. The chemistry seems off and I don’t see that line heading for long-term success.

Greg: Overworking Fleury

The one thing I’d like to see King and the Blackhawks move away from is starting Marc-Andre Fleury every single game. I know the injury to Kevin Lankinen has a lot to do with this, but if Fleury is your best chance to get back in the first round of the draft, then you must start being more careful.

The veteran’s play has taken a dip over the past few weeks. We are beginning to see some of the frustration we saw back in October come out of him of late. This team isn’t making a miracle charge to the postseason. Fleury is your best trade chip, so diminishing his value by wearing him down or getting him injured is just senseless at this point.

Gail: Dach at Center

Let’s face it; this center thing just isn’t working out for Kirby Dach. He has a 33.8% success rate in the faceoff circle this season. 33.8%! That’s not good. Now, I’ve said it before and I will say it again. There are some great things about Dach’s game. He physical and strong on the puck. He’s has a ton of skill and a high hockey IQ. He creates chances for himself and his linemates.

He hasn’t lived up to expectations yet, but he’s also only 21 years old. He was also probably thrown into the NHL too soon. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being a center. Perhaps Dach could be more effective on the wing. This would take some of the pressure off him, and allow him to develop and thrive at the things he’s good at.

Maybe Dach could play of the wing with Jonathan Toews centering, or even Tyler Johnson when he returns from his neck injury (slated for the beginning of March). It’s something I’d like to see the Blackhawks experiment with.   

This is just a preview of our discussion for our next Blackhawks Banter show, which drops every Tuesday. Be sure to join us while we debate this and much more! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel, find us on your preferred podcast platform, and connect with Blackhawks Banter on Twitter, so you catch every new episode.