Blackhawks slow game week, using practices to their advantage, notes on Levshunov, Kane, Bedard & more

The Chicago Blackhawks have had a slow week, with only two games in the last seven days. But they’ve embraced this time off with a week of long practices in an effort to improve a few of their weaknesses. Can they translate this into some wins to close out October on a high note?!

We’ll soon find out, with four games to round out the month. In the meantime, we’ve got you covered here at Blackhawk Up with all our recent content. There's something for everyone, so let’s dive in!

Blackhawks player features

It’s no secret that it’s been a bit of a tough start to the season for young defenseman Sam Rinzel. Jake Tye discusses how he needs to improve his puck-handling skills.

Keeping with the theme of defensemen, Brooke argues that Artyom Levshunov’s play is already looking way more promising than last year.

I highlight blueliner Ethan Del Mastro, who’s drawn into the lineup since Bowen Byram was sidelined with an upper body injury. Despite his adversity, Del Mastro is harnessing his confidence to his advantage.    

Patrick Kane is settling in quite nicely with the Blackhawks, both on and off the ice. But on the flipside, while this homecoming is great, Maya Smith wonders when the production is coming for Kaner?

During the break, the Blackhawks made a minor roster move. Brooke tells us they re-assigned journeyman forward Dominic Toninato back to the Rockford IceHogs. But not before he skated in his 200th NHL game!

Moving on to a trio of players, I outline how the fourth line of Cole Smith, Ryan Greene and Jordan Greenway have been a huge asset in their depth role.

And coming full circle back to defensemen again, Brooke features veteran Ian Cole, who celebrated 1000 NHL games on Friday versus the Montreal Canadiens.

More Blackhawks content

Here’s a few more analysis pieces. Dough Schwamb is excited about how Blackhawks youth movement is in full effect.

Jake feels the Blackhawk’s new elite center trio could help them find more success moving forward.

Nestor Quixtan give us some insight into how the power play needs to improve.

The Blackhawks have already suffered two shutouts in their first nine games. Ryan Gagne examines how history shows this isn’t an encouraging sign.

We know Chicago is already in the hole with a 3-7-0 record. But Nate Duffett warns it could get worse with a brutal upcoming schedule.

Prospect corner

For those of you that like to keep up with the Blackhawk’s prospects, Doug did a nice writeup on  Vaclav Nestrasil’s success in his recent win with UMass.  

Doug also gives us three Rockford IceHogs players to keep an eye on.

Blackhawks practice updates

Brooke and I have been on the ground this week at the Blackhawk’s practices to give you all the latest updates. Brooke outlines how the team used the time to their advantage.

I completed a practice notebook with injury updates and the latest forward lines and defensive pairings. This also includes a fun chat with Connor Bedard about his linemates, Kane and Roman Kanterov!

Blackhawks Game Reaction

As stated earlier, the Blackhawks only suited up for two games this past week. A 4-0 shutout loss to the Dallas Stars was NOT an ideal way to head into their break, but that’s the way it played out.

Finally, and contest against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 23 didn't do much to raise the confidence level for this Blackhawk's squad. They fell 4-1 in yet another frustrating outing.

That’ll do it for this roundup edition of all things Chicago Blackhawks. Keep it right here at Blackhawk Up for all the latest news, analysis, game updates and more!  Hopefully the Blackhawks can turn their fortunes around soon.

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