Which Chicago Blackhawks Players Have Over-Performed and Under-Performed to Start the Season?

When looking at the Blackhawks' top-six, it is clear that Philipp Kurashev and Tyler Bertuzzi have yet to meet expectations.

Both of these players were expected to be major parts of the Blackhawks offense this season, and both have not been able to find their games so far.

Kurashev, who found himself scratched against the Vancouver Canucks, has only tallied two goals this season and is a minus 8 in 11 games.

After tallying 54 points last season alongside Connor Bedard, Kurashev has not been able to get his offense going again. He has mainly played the second-line center spot which has not brought positive results for his line.

In recent games, Kurashev has been back on a line with Bedard to try and spark the chemistry those two had last season. The 25-year-old is a skilled forward capable of producing in the NHL, and maybe some time on the top line can help bring out his scoring upside.

Tyler Bertuzzi was also expected to be a major presence in the Blackhawks' top-six. His pedigree as a true power-forward filled a niche on the Blackhawks' roster that was not truly present before.

After 11 games into his Blackhawks career, Bertuzzi has three goals and is a -5.

So far, it seems that Bertuzzi hasn't quite gelled with anyone in particular on the roster. His most frequent linemates have been Taylor Hall and Philipp Kurashev, and that line has not been able to score at the rate they were expected to.

On the powerplay, Bertuzzi has had some bad luck hitting the posts. But, he has struggled mightily to produce at five-on-five.

Bertuzzi has always been a streaky player since coming into the NHL, so times like this were expected to happen. It just feels as though there's another gear for him to reach.