One player the Blackhawks must seriously start handing more ice time

The Blackhawks may have lost yet again, but hey, at least they got some sound puzzle pieces to utilize both now and in the future. One of those puzzle pieces had gotten off to a rather rough start, but not so rough that they graced my underperforming players list.

So, that’s more good news. However, this player I wanted to talk about tonight probably hasn’t impressed many fans. And for good reason, as they have yet to record over a half-point per contest. That said, feel free to disagree with everything you’re about to read, but Tyler Bertuzzi has been playing more than well enough to warrant more ice time. 

Yeah, that same Tyler Bertuzzi who has just 13 points in 30 games. But he’s also fourth on the team in points and just three behind Ryan Donato, who’s currently in second with 16. But, here’s something that may not have dawned on you: Bertuzzi also has eight goals this season, and that’s second on the team, again just behind Donato’s 10. 

Add to the fact Bertuzzi is finding twine on 16.7 percent of his overall shots on goal, and you can argue he’s playing some solid hockey when the puck finds his stick. The only issue is that the chances just haven’t been there often. 

Blackhawks could fare better if Tyler Bertuzzi had more chances to shine

Now, some of this lack of overall points productivity has fallen on Bertuzzi, and I’m not deviating the blame from him. But I’d like to see his average total time on ice increase from 15:35 to something between 16:30 and 17:30, just to see what he can bring to the Hawks. 

We have seen an increase in ice time recently, as in three of his past five games (not counting today’s loss), Bertuzzi logged at least 18 minutes per game. That’s saying a lot about coach Anders Sorenson’s (and the recently fired Luke Richardson’s) trust in No. 59. 

After 30 games, it’s a foregone conclusion the Blackhawks are going nowhere this season, so why not give players like Bertuzzi a long look with at least 16:30 (or more) of average ice time? It’s not hurting anything, especially when it comes to a player who should figure to be in town for a while. 

Yeah, many fans want to see some of those higher-end prospects called up and get some NHL ice time, and I’m no different. But, giving Bertuzzi more ice time overall, a proven veteran, might I add, will make a greater improvement for the Hawks now and in the near future.