Rinzel and Korchinski’s growing confidence offers hope for the Blackhawks’ blue line

In what was a brutal loss for the Chicago Blackhawks against the Florida Panthers, young defensemen Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski were truly the stars of the show. The 3-2 loss against the former back-to-back Stanley Cup champions was a tough pill to swallow. However, the confident performances on display by Korchinski and Rinzel give Blackhawks fans something to be positive about.

Rinzel and Korchinski start to show positive signs

The game ended heartbreakingly for Chicago. But it was evident that two of their youngest and most promising defenders were playing their best games so far. Rinzel was up and down the ice throughout the whole 60 minutes. A showing that viewers didn't need a heatmap to see he was everywhere and anywhere. Korchinski was also playing his best hockey so far. Confident on the puck. Skating strongly. And making smart NHL-calibre defensive decisions. A true show fans can be excited about.

Throughout his time in the NHL, Korchinski has struggled to truly become what he was once expected to be. His game has never really been consistent. And he just hasn't cracked that barrier to be a true NHL defenseman. Yet his visual performance against the Panthers on Sunday (Oct. 25) shows his confidence is on the rise. And the patience may be about to pay off for Chicago.

Rinzel was also an eye-catcher at the madhouse on Sunday. He was skating like he owned the ice. He handled the puck well. He stayed strong and tight against some of the best players in the NHL. In a game against such tough opposition, Rinzel's confidence on and off the puck really started to blossom. Again, something that every Blackhawks fan will be relieved and happy to see.

The pair begin to prove they are up to the NHL level

The game as a whole was a hard-fought battle. Even though the team lost in the dying embers, it showed good signs. But significantly for the blue line; having that confidence spread through the team is massive. The discourse around both Rinzel and Korchinski after hopping between the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago has been constant. The question often came up: 'Are they really good enough?' and this night sent a message that they believe in themselves.

When a game such as Sunday's game isn't going so well for players like Tyler Bertuzzi or Cole Smith, confidence and motivation are key. Having stepped up on this night, the young defensive core of the Blackhawks as a whole began to show what they can do. They held on well throughout three periods. And most of all, they used their individual talents to the best of their ability. Korchinski locked down his targets and moved the puck well. Rinzel exploited space constantly and became a two-way threat through all three periods.

This was an example and a glimpse of what the Blackhawks defense can look like. Korchinski is slowly showing signs that he is worthy of his spot. And Rinzel is finally adapting to that aggressive two-way game he showed in college. The confidence is beginning to build. And the team is feeling it for a while. It was a tough loss to endure after such a gutsy performance on the blue line. But what's more important is that the youth of the Blackhawks' blue line is blossoming and gaining confidence.

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