The 'Jeff Blashill Effect' on the surging Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks remain in the hunt in early December when it comes to the playoff conversation. The team has appeared to take that step forward in the rebuild earlier than expected based on the on-ice play thus far. One can argue that luck has played a part in the Blackhawks' fortunes. There are a variety of factors behind this reality, including the superstar performance from Connor Bedard and the formidable goaltending of Spencer Knight. A third major reason for Chicago's improved success in this campaign is Jeff Blashill's coaching.

The hiring of Blashill by Chicago during this past offseason had some question marks behind it. Many were skeptical of the hire, given Blashill's experience as head coach of some brutal Detroit Red Wings teams. But it is clear that his time as an assistant coach under multiple-time Stanley Cup champion Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay has served Blashill well, as he has visibly learned from one of the best in the business.

Blashill and his new regime, which includes a quality group of assistants, Michael Peca, Mike Velluci, and Anders Sorensen, have provided the Hawks with a coaching bump in the early days of this campaign that looks built to last in what has been proven to be a different Blackhawks team than years past. This is a Blackhawks team that is competitive virtually every game, something that could not be said about prior clubs.

The question is, what has Blashill and his staff done that has led to this change in the Blackhawks' identity? The answer comes down to four main factors: Improved defensive play/structure, increased consistency in line combos, efficient special teams, and a winning culture not seen in many years.

Improved defensive play/structure

The defensive side of the puck is an area the Blackhawks have struggled with, particularly during the rebuilding process in recent seasons. Blashill has implemented a system of increased structure and getting back to winning habits. The Blackhawks are playing the game the right way across all three zones. They say good defense leads to offense reward, and that is exactly what has happened with this squad. The results speak for themselves: the Blackhawks have not maintained a positive goal differential this far into a season since the Kyle Davidson rebuild era began.

Consistent line combos

A big issue with Blackhawks teams during the 2020s has been the implementation of line combinations in games that make no sense and change on a nightly basis. Blashill has been able to find the combos that work and has the wherewithal to stick with them, rather than bring out the line blender after one off game. The increased consistency in lineups has led to improved team chemistry/synergy on the ice by pairing players together that actually complement each other's games.

Elite special teams

In addition to the Blackhawks' even-strength play making gains this season, the special teams have been a godsend with both the power play and penalty kill consistently staying amongst the top 10 units in the league. Special teams have been hot and cold for this team of late; it has been refreshing to watch units that can be depended on to come through clutch in the key moments of the game that often determine who comes away with the win.

Winning Culture

The morale of the locker room plays a crucial part in what direction the team is going to go. Past Blackhawks teams have struggled to develop a winning identity, and it has shown in the lack of results. Blashill and his staff have raised the standards expected out of this Blackhawks team, which has led to a healthy shift in mindset. This is a team that feels connected and plays like it can win every game. They practice hard and put in consistent effort throughout the game. The Blackhawks have not had a culture that looks like this since the days of Joel Quenneville.