These forward changes can do wonders for the Blackhawks this season

The Chicago Blackhawks were a bit... one-dimensional on offense, with and without Connor Bedard. It was quite clear that the team was focused more on puck movement and finding that perfect shot rather than putting pucks on net to control the pace of the game. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would yell, "Just shoot the puck!" in frustration as two Hawks would play catch at the point on the power play.

Don't get me wrong: there is merit to the puck-movement strategy for that pretty play, but it really only works for the top six. Bedard, Frank Nazar, Patrick Kane, Roman Kantserov, Nick Lardis, and Anton Frondell can pull those plays off more often than not. The bottom six, however, cannot follow the same blueprint and expect the same results.

There is something else they can do to help the team other than creating offense.

The main goal of the bottom six is to gain or sustain momentum.

Let's consider the fourth line for the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2025: Jonah Gadjovich, AJ Greer, and Tomas Nosek. They combined for a total of zero points, a minus-five rating, and 29 penalty minutes. Statistically, they don't exactly stand out as an "impact line" in the finals, but there is more to the game than points.

The Panthers were mic'd up in the Finals, and head coach Paul Maurice was heard sending them out for the final shift, telling them they would not be where they are without them. The reason? This fourth line brought energy every game, finding some way to turn the tide for their teammates without scoring or creating scoring chances. They were able to generate momentum with their physicality and aggression, something the Edmonton Oilers had trouble matching.

What could the third line be? Maybe something like Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Cole Smith. A great checking and lockdown line with some offensive firepower, with Teravainen and Bertuzzi being a human backboard in front of the net (I swear, 90 percent of his goals came from the puck bouncing off him into the net). They can maintain momentum against the opposition's top lines, and Bertuzzi and Smith can also make some physical noise.

So, we have two skill lines and one focused checking line. The bottom six is rounded out with a fourth line, and the Blackhawks can deploy their first real energy line in years. This way, the Blackhawks are no longer "one-dimensional" and can make an impact away from the puck.

A fourth line of Jordan Greenway, Sacha Boisvert, and AJ Spellacy could work. This line has some crazy speed with Boisvert and Spellacy, and Greenway is the Blackhawks' enforcer this year.

Spellacy and Boisvert can get fighting tips from Greenway during practice as well. Spellacy and Boisvert should just mix it up every chance they get on home ice, bringing the fans into the game consistently, no matter the score. This is also an important part of the game that gets overlooked: taking advantage of home ice in more ways than just scoring.

The Blackhawks are much more balanced on their forward lines this season, though there may be some tough decisions about who goes where. I realize that I left Oliver Moore and Ryan Donato off the lineup, but I'm looking at what should work systematically rather than by name value.

The bottom six should not be a weaker scoring line; it should prioritize checking and energy. The Blackhawks have energy guys who are ready to play in the NHL and should deploy them early.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow