Lines come courtesy of Daily Faceoff (https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/chicago-blackhawks/line-combinations/)
The Chicago Blackhawks lines seem to finally be producing at a constant rate. The Hawks are getting help from all levels, and depth is something that is not an issue right now. Obviously things could change fast if the Hawks win streak ends tonight in Boston, but as of right now, let's take a look at the Hawks line combination and why things are working out for them.
Offense
Line 1 - Caggiula, Toews, Kane
Line 2 - Debrincat, Strome, Kahun
Line 3 - Saad, Kruger, Perlini
Line 4 - Hayden, Anisimov, Sikura
Defense
Line 1 - Keith, Seabrook
Line 2 - Dahlstrom, Murphy
Line 3 - Koekkoek, Gustafsson
Goalies
Delia
Ward
In the last 5 days, statistically speaking, the Blackhawks second line is their best line. Together Kahun, Strome, and Debrincat have 26 points, with only entry level contracts on their line. The Hawks top line of Toews, Kane, and Gaggiula have a combination of 22 points so far in the last 5 games, so the top 6 is playing some good hockey. After that, things get a little more barren, Saad is the only one producing on the third line. Saad had 3 goals and 2 assists in the last 5 games, and things get even worse when looking at the fourth line, with Hayden having the only goal in that crew.
The Hawks success hinders on the success of the bottom six. I do not believe Saad is a bottom six guy. I really do think he should be playing with Kane and Toews. If the Hawks want to go top heavy with their top two lines, then Saad is your guy, not Caggiula. Strome and Debrincat have chemistry, and are slowing becoming the new Toews and Kane for the Hawks. The young guns also have Dominik Kahun, arguably the biggest shocker on the Hawks roster this year. Kahun is fast and is really enjoying playing hockey. Those 3 guys are the players taking strides in their game this season.
The Hawks need Saad, Perlini, and Anisimov to all play WAY better. Those 3 guys have done very little, and just have straight up under performed. With 10 million dollars of cap space between Saad and Anisimov, you have to think one of those 2 guys could definitely be on the move this offseason or sooner. I do not really see them trading Saad, it took a lot to get him back and he incorporates more strength to them on the defensive side of the puck, however Anisimov has to pick up his game. The guy is on the fourth line and should be playing a lot better for 4 million dollars a year.
In the blue paint, things look pretty good. (Knock on wood) Collin Delia is the real deal. He has been a tank for us this season and earned a nice new contract. For 3 years, Delia is locked up for just a million dollars. If he truly is our new number 1 starter that is a STEAL. Besides that, Ward has also been playing great. Cam Ward looked like he had declined greatly the last few years, however Ward really is having a bounce back year splitting the net with Delia. Also remember Corey Crawford? Crow has been spotted at practice the last few days and could near a return in the net sooner rather than later. If Crow could get back in the net and play hot there's no reason the Hawks success could get even better. Chicago, even though they are on a nice win streak, have been out shot a lot recently, and in their wins the last few days they have given up upwards of 36 shots on goal on average. Crow coming back and backstopping the net with Ward and Delia only makes the Blackhawks a better team.
Chicago’s success this year is all about chemistry. Having guys like Toews and Kane paired together succeeding, and Strome and Debrincat doing the same also brings success. The only hope now is the Hawks find a guy that can work with Saad the same way. If I were the Hawks and I really wanted to push my team to be successful this year it would be finding a new 3rd line centerman. Saad really is not playing with much talent this year and could benefit with a change of line mates. Trading for a 3rd line centerman would not only improve the line but improve overall scoring depth.
The Hawks roster may not be a Stanley Cup contender, but they are quietly changing the script on their season, when looking at the roster and the moves made Jeremy Colliton and Stan Bowman look like masterminds, that can change fast though….
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