Chicago Blackhawks: Opening Night Defensive Pairs

Another day has passed this summer, and that means we are one day closer to NHL hockey once again. With most players enjoying their final weeks at home before heading out to their respective cities to prepare for training camp, there’s no denying it: excitement is building.
More From Blackhawk Up — Blackhawks Trivia: Trophies, Records, Awards
It’s caught us here, too, at Blackhawk Up. The Blackhawks’ championship offseason full of moves has me dreaming up all the possibilities, and on Monday, I presented my predictions for the Blackhawks’ forward lines when they raise their banner against the New York Rangers on Oct. 7.
Today, it’s the blue line that’s captured my focus. The Blackhawks made just as many changes on the back end this offseason, and with several new faces, it certainly won’t be status quo the Blackhawks’ defensive corps. After making my predictions, I present them to you: my 2015 Opening night defensive pairs.
Third Pairing
David Rundblad-Trevor Van Riemsdyk
More from Blackhawks News
- Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
- Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver
- Blackhawks: Why Derek King is the Right Coach moving forward
- Marc-Andre Fleury Carries the Blackhawks to a 4-2 Win vs Seattle
- Instant Reaction: Blackhawks top Kraken for first time in history
The Blackhawks’ top four fields a ton of experience, and I believe that Joel Quenneville will tip his hand in that direction as the season gets underway. Van Riemsdyk had an injury-marred first season with the Blackhawks, but from what he did accomplish, he certainly has the potential to go up from here. Rundblad caught the ire of many Blackhawks’ fans last season, but with more balance on the blue line, Quenneville should be free to put him in a more suitable third-pairing role, instead of pairing him with the Blackhawks’ best to minimize the miscues.
This pairing should be adept in its own end, and with the group of forwards in front of it, the most important thing will be moving the puck up the ice. If they don’t chip in directly, that shouldn’t bother Blackhawks’ fans, as long as the puck isn’t in the net behind them too often, either.
Next: A look at the second pairing
More from Blackhawk Up
- Blackhawks: Key Takeaways from 3-2 win over the Blues
- Blackhawks: Grading Connor Murphy and a position comparison
- Blackhawks: Shuffling the lines to try and spark offense at 5 on 5
- These Lineup Changes could Solve the Blackhawks’ Scoring Problem
- Blackhawks: List Of Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving