Blackhawks Rookies Focus on Expanding Offense
Ryan Greene and Colton Dach, two Blackhawks rookies, have been quietly effective in their roles, but both are aware that expanding their skills offensively could elevate them to long-term NHL contributors.
For Greene, the emphasis is on growing into a more dynamic playmaker. The 24-year-old center has been a defensive stalwart for the team, but his recent promotion to the first line with Connor Bedard and Andre Burakovsky has given him an opportunity to showcase his skills in a more prominent role.
"I knew I had the offensive side of my game," Greene said in an interview. "It's just a matter of getting more confidence as the season goes on, getting more comfortable with the pace of play."
Greene has been working to improve his shot and decision-making, and he's been impressed by Bedard and Burakovsky's ability to teach him how to "play at their speed." He's also increased his engagement in puck battles, which coach Jeff Blashill highlighted as a key area for improvement.
While Greene is still projected to be a third- or fourth-line center long-term, this first-line experience can't hurt. His Boston University numbers were impressive, with nearly a point per game over the last two seasons, and he's shown that he has good offensive skill.
Meanwhile, Dach has been focusing on expanding his skills in the bottom six. He's been instructed to practice holding onto pucks longer and being less risk-averse in his decision-making. On Tuesday against the Senators, he created an offensive possession with a smart play below the goal line before burying his first goal of the season off a rebound.
"We've talked to all our guys about risk management and knowing that balance of when to attack and when not to," Blashill said of Dach's approach. "With [Dach]'s size, hands, and skating ability, we want him to just spend that extra split-second holding onto it and making sure he does what he wants to do with it."
As the season progresses, both Greene and Dach will have opportunities to showcase their skills and prove themselves as valuable contributors to the Blackhawks.
Ryan Greene and Colton Dach, two Blackhawks rookies, have been quietly effective in their roles, but both are aware that expanding their skills offensively could elevate them to long-term NHL contributors.
For Greene, the emphasis is on growing into a more dynamic playmaker. The 24-year-old center has been a defensive stalwart for the team, but his recent promotion to the first line with Connor Bedard and Andre Burakovsky has given him an opportunity to showcase his skills in a more prominent role.
"I knew I had the offensive side of my game," Greene said in an interview. "It's just a matter of getting more confidence as the season goes on, getting more comfortable with the pace of play."
Greene has been working to improve his shot and decision-making, and he's been impressed by Bedard and Burakovsky's ability to teach him how to "play at their speed." He's also increased his engagement in puck battles, which coach Jeff Blashill highlighted as a key area for improvement.
While Greene is still projected to be a third- or fourth-line center long-term, this first-line experience can't hurt. His Boston University numbers were impressive, with nearly a point per game over the last two seasons, and he's shown that he has good offensive skill.
Meanwhile, Dach has been focusing on expanding his skills in the bottom six. He's been instructed to practice holding onto pucks longer and being less risk-averse in his decision-making. On Tuesday against the Senators, he created an offensive possession with a smart play below the goal line before burying his first goal of the season off a rebound.
"We've talked to all our guys about risk management and knowing that balance of when to attack and when not to," Blashill said of Dach's approach. "With [Dach]'s size, hands, and skating ability, we want him to just spend that extra split-second holding onto it and making sure he does what he wants to do with it."
As the season progresses, both Greene and Dach will have opportunities to showcase their skills and prove themselves as valuable contributors to the Blackhawks.
. I mean, Colton Dach's gotta work on being less risk-averse, but you know what? That's just part of the game! He's got skills for days and with a little more confidence he'll be a top-six winger in no time 
.
. I love how he's taking the lessons from Connor Bedard and Andre Burakovsky to heart and trying new things. It's all about adapting to the pace of play, you know? And hey, even if he doesn't end up as a first-line center long-term, he'll still be a solid contributor on the third or fourth line 
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. It's gonna be fun watching them develop and prove themselves in the NHL! 
I'm loving how these rookies are taking it upon themselves to step up their game offensively. Ryan Greene's got some serious skills, but he needs more confidence in his decision-making 
. And Colton Dach is working on being less risk-averse – good move! It's awesome that coach Blashill is supporting them in making those adjustments 
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. It's gonna be exciting to see how they progress and contribute to the team as the season goes on 
, his size and skating ability are unreal. But what's crazy is how they're trying to balance risk management with being aggressive, like coach Blashill said. It's a tightrope to walk, but if they can get it right, it'll be huge for their development. Greene seems like he's got some good instincts already, but it's cool that Bedard and Burakovsky are helping him develop his skills. 
I'm curious to see how the rest of the season plays out! 
. And Colton Dach is taking it upon himself to work on his puck control and decision-making - that's all about confidence in your abilities and trusting your instincts 
. It's awesome to see the coaching staff and teammates stepping up to help them develop their skills, like Bedard and Burakovsky teaching Greene how to "play at their speed" 
. Can't wait to see these guys shine on the ice in the coming games! 
️. I'm hyped to see what the rest of the season brings! 
I love how coach Blashill is teaching him to be more patient on the puck. It's not always easy to hold onto it but if you can, you're gonna get some sick goals. Like what happened against the Senators, that was pure skill!
️ They just need to keep grinding and trusting their training. If they do, we'll see them break out in a big way this season! 
i love how the coach is pushing them to be more confident in their decision-making - that's where the real magic happens 
. Still, I'm hyped to see what they bring to the table this season 
!