Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- Powerless Play

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The Chicago Blackhawks have scored goals in the beginning of the season, but they have really struggled on the powerplay so far this season.

The age old question for this Chicago Blackhawks era has been with all the talent on the ice, why are they so bad with the man advantage.

Some of it is myth with years that the Chicago Blackhawks have had a good powerplay unit, but there are times like this year where the man advantage is really kills any momentum that the team is building in a period or a game.

One of the problems that I noticed during Saturday’s game has been the opening faceoff.  Jonathan Toews who is very good taking faceoffs lost the first two on the first two Blackhawks chances Saturday night which takes at least 20 seconds off the clock before they can reset. This of course isn’t critical, but it’s something small that hurts when the unit is struggling.

The second thing is just the entries weren’t crisp.  It’s like there isn’t a plan on how to enter the zone which caused many times for the Hawks defense to go back and get the puck or have to defend Viktor Arvidsson when he was taking the puck the other way.

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The last issue is a personal one, but it’s the defenseman getting near center ice then dumping the puck off to Patrick Kane.  Everyone in the Stadium knows this play is coming which really causes the entry not to happen or be defended easily.

It’s still early on in the season and things can change quickly especially with 3 days off, but it would be nice to start seeing some production and positive possessions with the man advantage starting Wednesday night against the Blues.

Here are some morning links to start your work week! 

What did Joel Quenneville have to say after the Chicago Blackhawks win on Saturday night (Blackhawks)

Jan Rutta is emerging as the Chicago Blackhawks 2nd best defenseman (Sun-Times)

The Chicago Blackhawks powerplay has a new look but hasn’t had any results yet (Tribune)

John Hayden has no plans on toning down his game (Sun-Times)

Early season surprises and disappointments around the NHL (Fan Rag)

Vegas Golden Knights place Marc-Andre Fleury on the I.R. (Vegas)

Who are the most important players on each team around the NHL (ESPN)

Predator fans don’t understand how they lost on Saturday night (Predlines)

Next: 5 Thoughts On Blackhawks 2-1 Overtime Win

The Buffalo Sabres are looking for a spark from their AHL Team (Pro Hockey Talk)