Blackhawks Coach Jeff Blashill's Lineup Strategy Proves to be a Winning Formula
When Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill watched his team struggle on the ice, most NHL coaches would have made significant changes to their lineups. Instead, Blashill chose to maintain continuity with his current forward trios, sticking with the same three players for each shift.
This approach is not new to Blashill, who promised to prioritize lineup stability entering the season. And he has delivered on that promise, with each of his current lines featuring at least two players who have spent most of their five-on-five time together.
Connor Bedard, for example, spends a whopping 63% of his ice time with Andre Burakovsky, while Jason Dickinson spends an impressive 72% of his time with Ilya Mikheyev. Even the Blackhawks' fourth line, which features Nick Foligno and Colton Dach, has shown remarkable stability, with Landon Slaggert skating alongside them on most occasions.
Blashill's strategy is to keep two players together and then mix-and-match the third player into the lineup. This approach has helped him manage injuries, including those that have affected forwards this season. When Teuvo Teravainen was sidelined for two games, Blashill kept Nick Lardis and Oliver Moore together on their line, allowing them to continue playing with chemistry.
The continuity is especially impressive given the Hawks' high injury rate this season. Yet, despite these challenges, Blashill has maintained a strong core group of players who have developed line chemistry through consistent time together.
"I think it matters," Blashill said recently. "Developing line chemistry allows guys to play their positions off each other and makes a big difference on the ice."
This approach is also helping the team learn its roles within the lineup, which is crucial for success in the NHL. As Nick Foligno notes, finding consistency in the lines can make a significant impact on the team's overall performance.
"It's a sign of stability in your team," Foligno said. "If you can have consistent lines, then you can learn what your role should be for the team."
Overall, Blashill's lineup strategy has proven to be a winning formula for the Blackhawks, and it will be interesting to see how this approach continues to shape the team's success in the seasons to come.
When Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill watched his team struggle on the ice, most NHL coaches would have made significant changes to their lineups. Instead, Blashill chose to maintain continuity with his current forward trios, sticking with the same three players for each shift.
This approach is not new to Blashill, who promised to prioritize lineup stability entering the season. And he has delivered on that promise, with each of his current lines featuring at least two players who have spent most of their five-on-five time together.
Connor Bedard, for example, spends a whopping 63% of his ice time with Andre Burakovsky, while Jason Dickinson spends an impressive 72% of his time with Ilya Mikheyev. Even the Blackhawks' fourth line, which features Nick Foligno and Colton Dach, has shown remarkable stability, with Landon Slaggert skating alongside them on most occasions.
Blashill's strategy is to keep two players together and then mix-and-match the third player into the lineup. This approach has helped him manage injuries, including those that have affected forwards this season. When Teuvo Teravainen was sidelined for two games, Blashill kept Nick Lardis and Oliver Moore together on their line, allowing them to continue playing with chemistry.
The continuity is especially impressive given the Hawks' high injury rate this season. Yet, despite these challenges, Blashill has maintained a strong core group of players who have developed line chemistry through consistent time together.
"I think it matters," Blashill said recently. "Developing line chemistry allows guys to play their positions off each other and makes a big difference on the ice."
This approach is also helping the team learn its roles within the lineup, which is crucial for success in the NHL. As Nick Foligno notes, finding consistency in the lines can make a significant impact on the team's overall performance.
"It's a sign of stability in your team," Foligno said. "If you can have consistent lines, then you can learn what your role should be for the team."
Overall, Blashill's lineup strategy has proven to be a winning formula for the Blackhawks, and it will be interesting to see how this approach continues to shape the team's success in the seasons to come.
Interesting how they're keeping those lines intact even when players get injured! 
It makes sense that chemistry between teammates is key to performance on ice... I mean, who doesn't want to play with their BFFs? 
And it's awesome that the team can learn its roles and work together seamlessly. Hopefully this strategy keeps them in playoff contention 
️!
OMG u gotta love Blashill's approach!!! 
I mean, who needs constant shuffles when u can build chemistry with ur players?! 
. And u can't deny the importance of having consistent lines, especially in the NHL where injuries are a nightmare 
. Blashill's all about stability and it's paying off big time 
!!!
. I mean, when you've got players who have played together for a while, they start to read each other's minds on the ice, right? It's like a well-oiled machine 
. I'm loving how Blashill prioritized stability in his lineups, and now they're reaping the benefits 
. It'll be interesting to see if other teams follow suit 
.
, seems like the blackhawks are really struggling with injuries 
... and now nick foligno is talking about how finding consistency in lines can impact the team's performance 
, like what if it doesn't work out? 
. It's like they've developed their own little chemistry thing going on 
. And it's not just about the lines themselves, but also about learning roles within the team 
.
. That's something that can be really valuable in the NHL, especially when you're facing tough opponents 
.
I mean, what if some of these players are just not meshing well together? Blashill is basically stuck with them now because he didn't make any changes. It's like he's throwing good players away because they can't seem to get along.
️! The chemistry between Connor Bedard & Andre Burakovsky is 
#BedardBurakovsky or Jason Dickinson & Ilya Mikheyev being the best BFFs on ice 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good lineup stability? 
It's all about finding that balance & making it work 
!
, gotta love consistency! but seriously tho, i think its genius how Blashill is keeping those lines together, it shows he trusts his players to make it work. and yeah, line chemistry makes a huge difference, i mean, have u seen the Blackhawks' power play lately?