What the Blackhawks can expect with Korchinski and Del Mastro in the lineup

Through the first two games of the season, Chicago's defense appears discombobulated. In Vegas, they were all over the place. And against Utah, they were virtually nonexistent. Bowen Byram has caught the eye, but for all the wrong reasons. And the likes of Wyatt Kaiser and Alex Vlasic look like completely different players from last season. Tonight we see Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro back in the lineup as they get their first chance of the season.

Korchinski and Del Mastro deserve playing time

In what has been a rather disappointing start to the season, two things have stood out significantly about the defence. The amount of space given to the opposition. And the effort. From such a young and promising group of defensemen, the effort levels just haven't been there. You would think players like Sam Rinzel, Kaiser, and Artyom Levshunov would be playing their best hockey in such a crucial season for them. But so far they have looked minor-league level at best.

Since they were drafted, Korchinski and Del Mastro have been up and down between the NHL and the AHL. For Korchinski, his ceiling and expectations were much higher, being a 7th overall pick. However, he hasn't truly had a chance to prove himself. And with how the Blackhawks are currently playing, there is no better time to make a good impression. In the case of Del Mastro, he has always been a reliable player who can slot in anywhere up and down the lineup. He plays smart, and he does everything you need in a defenseman to a solid standard. He, too, is getting an opportunity to truly cement himself.

How can they fit into the lineup?

With the news breaking that Bowen Byram and Rinzel will be out of the lineup tonight against the Sabres, having Korchinski and Del Mastro line up together makes sense. And they both look to bring something fresh to the blue line. Over the first two games Ian Cole has looked slow and seems to be having the same effect as someone like T.J. Brodie had in Chicago. On the right side, Rinzel continues to lack that edge and looks like he still needs development. Another stint in Rockford to improve his poise, puck handling, and overall handling of the NHL speed is exactly what he needs. This would open a spot up for a player like Del Mastro, who has proved he can make an impact.

It has been a tale of sloppy play and a lack of defensive awareness so far on the Hawks' blue line. Korchinski and Del Mastro have waited for their time to strike. In the current situation, there is no perfect time for a change. Del Mastro can easily adapt to playing on his off side, and Korchinski's experience playing minor minutes on a bottom pairing will significantly contribute to his development. Some of the younger guys simply look mentally and physically behind the play every single time they step on the ice, and there is no harm in giving two eager youngsters a chance to prove themselves.

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