Blackhawks’ Smith, Greene & Greenway a huge asset in their depth role

The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to find their way as the 2026-27 season unfolds. They’ve certainly had their struggles, as a 3-6-0 record attests to. While creating chances as been there for the most part, attacking, shooting and scoring has been a problem offensively. Defensively, giving up way too many odd man rushes has been a common theme.

One forward line that has been the most consistent, and thereford together since the preseason, is the shutdown fourth line of Cole Smith, Ryan Greene and Jordan Greenway. According to Natural Stat Trick, in 73:01 minutes of ice time together, this line has not allowed a goal against through the first nine contests. Let’s look at what makes this line tick.

Blashill likes this line’s “grind”

Ahead of the Blackhawk’s season opening game on Sept. 29, head coach Jeff Blashill was asked what the Smith-Greene-Greenway line brings to the table. For starters, he spoke about their grind and their consistency.

“Grind," said the coach. "And I think they can produce offense. It's not going to be maybe as flashy as certainly like Kaner-type line. But I think they can produce the kind of offense that is consistent in a sense, grinding the ozone, get to the net, big bodies at the net. And give us the opportunity to put them out in a lot of situations where they have to face other teams' really good players and be able to win that shift. And if you have that, man, it's a huge bonus as a coach. And you're not hiding that line. You're actually fine with them going out against anybody, and that's how I feel as we sit here today.”

Obviously, Blashill trusts this trio, saying he’s comfortable putting them out there against anyone. They’ll get the job done and shut them down, and the stats back this up. The coach has not had to hide this line. As a matter of fact, all three players have averaged well over 13 minutes of average ice time. Greene has the most (14:23 minutes), with Smith (13:44) and Greenway (13:36) not too far behind.

For some perspective, that’s more than Oliver Moore (11:48 minutes) and Ryan Donato (11:18). Granted, “Smitty & the Greener’s" as I’ve coined them, all contribute on the penalty kill. But Moore and Donato play on the power play as well, so it essentially evens out.

Two veterans just doing their job

I had a chance to ask both Smith and Greenway, two savvy veterans of 30 and 29 years old, respectively, why they felt they line was effective. Said Smith, “I think just similar play. I think we're a couple veterans that kind of know what gets us success in this league. And especially as like a third, fourth line guy playing that kind of style of game. Game in and game out, you have to be consistent to stay in this league as a third and fourth liner. And so I think that helps. Just knowing what makes us successful and sticking to it.”

When I similarly asked Greenway what the secret to their success was, he laughed about my use of the word “secret”.

“It's just a funny word because there's no secret. We play very simple. I would say predictable. I know where Smitty and Greener is going to be, which makes playing very easy. I think in the last couple games we've gotten away from it a little bit, but Smitty is great on the forecheck. Greene is a great centerman. So, I just think we complement each other really well out there.”

Predictable, consistent, simple. Super easy, right?! Smith and Greenway seem to be downplaying their role a little bit. But as Blashill indicated it’s a much needed and appreciated role. It’s also not that easy to play such a physical game.

With the Vegas Golden Knights in the playoffs last season, Smith was credited with 100 hits in 22 playoff games. That’s an impressive 4.5 hits per game. “That’s what kind of gives me success, and I think last year, obviously in the playoffs, that's something I leaned on hard,” said Smith. “And it's a physical game, and so I think that's something I bring to the table, and something I have to bring to the table.”

Smith also contributed three goals and six points during the playoffs, making him an integral contributor to the Golden Knight's playoff success.

Greenway suited up for 13 playoff games with the Buffalo Sabres, contributing two goals, three points and 30 hits of his own. It’s not surprising that these two veterans currently lead the Blackhawks in hits; Smith with 19 and Greenway with 18.

Oh, and did I mention they’ve both already notched their first goals as Blackhawks?! Greenway actually scored the first goal of the season in the team’s season debut against the Golden Knights.  

It's safe to say both Smith and Greenway are off to a solid start with the Blackhawks.

Greene embracing a new role

If you recall, Greene was a rookie that wasn’t even expected to make the team last season. But he did make the team, and ended up playing most of the year on the top line alongside Connor Bedard. He was touted by Coach Blashill for his consistency and versatility, in that he played pretty much the same game whether at center or wing.

But how the additions of players such as Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov have moved Greene down in the depth chart. Hence centering the fourth line to start this season. Blashill was asked about Greene’s new role early October.

“Greener's, he's not chaotic at all. He's very calm. He's plays a pretty smart game, both offensively and defensively, and he kind of stays away from big chaotic moments. And I think kind of the combination of him and his two linemates, it's a pretty good chemistry on that line of being a real trustworthy line. The two wingers are really long, they can defend. And Ryan can think through the middle part of the ice pretty well. I think it's been a good challenge for him. I told him as we start the year it's a different role. But I think for the longevity of his career this is going to be an important role for him that he's able to play this kind of role and be good at it.”

Greenway concurred regarding Greene. “He’s responsible. He's obviously a good skater, great skater. Can make a play. Smart, and he just he's kind of, how do I say? You know, Smitty and I go do the forechecking this and that, and try to get him the puck. And he's really good at making plays. Smart, reads the game well. So it's really good to be able to rely on him. Just staying above and tactically being intact.”

Which leads back to what Blashill said earlier about how he thinks this line can create offense. Not only do they tilt the ice in the Blackhawk’s direction, but they could easily be capable of contributing some goals as well. Something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Greene, for his part, might not be a veteran like his linemates. He’s only just starting his second full season. “Yeah, he’s a kid,” chuckled Smith. “Kind of forget about that.” But the 23-year-old (as of today, Oct. 21!) takes things in stride off the ice just like his game is steady and consistent on the ice.

“Yeah, I mean I'm just somebody who, wherever I'm put, I want to be the best I can be in that role,” said Greene during training camp. “And whether I get top minutes or bottom minutes, as long as I'm putting my best foot forward, and we're winning games as a hockey team. It's the most important thing. So, I would ride or die for all these guys in here. I'm gonna make sure I give it my all for them, no matter what role I'm in.”

Not a bad fourth line to have, eh?!

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