The Chicago Blackhawks' power play has been stuck in a rut for an alarming 10 consecutive games without scoring. Despite the struggles, coach Jeff Blashill believes that simply practicing more won't be enough to solve their issues.
However, this might be easier said than done, as the team is consistently pitted against one of the league's top penalty kills, which boasts an impressive 85.3% kill rate. To add another layer of complexity, the Hawks' system under Blashill runs relatively close to a traditional push-down penalty kill, rather than the more common diamond formation.
In light of this, many are suggesting that the team consider creating a mock "black aces" squad of extra players for practice purposes, to mimic the opposing team's strategy. This would allow the power play to hone their skills against an opponent who mirrors their system as closely as possible.
The coaching staff has taken steps in this direction, incorporating a modified five-on-zero format into their practice routine to improve timing and routes. Yet, even with these tweaks, the team remains vulnerable on faceoffs – where 47.6% is still too low for their liking.
A return from Sam Rinzel, who took over quarterbacking the top unit upon his call-up last week, might bring some fresh energy. His ability to push those opposing players back and get the puck in the hands of their forwards could prove crucial in breaking through this drought.
As Connor Bedard pointed out, "Stick with it, and I think once one goes in, we'll get back [to scoring]." The question remains whether more practice or creative adjustments can unlock the Hawks' dormant power play.
However, this might be easier said than done, as the team is consistently pitted against one of the league's top penalty kills, which boasts an impressive 85.3% kill rate. To add another layer of complexity, the Hawks' system under Blashill runs relatively close to a traditional push-down penalty kill, rather than the more common diamond formation.
In light of this, many are suggesting that the team consider creating a mock "black aces" squad of extra players for practice purposes, to mimic the opposing team's strategy. This would allow the power play to hone their skills against an opponent who mirrors their system as closely as possible.
The coaching staff has taken steps in this direction, incorporating a modified five-on-zero format into their practice routine to improve timing and routes. Yet, even with these tweaks, the team remains vulnerable on faceoffs – where 47.6% is still too low for their liking.
A return from Sam Rinzel, who took over quarterbacking the top unit upon his call-up last week, might bring some fresh energy. His ability to push those opposing players back and get the puck in the hands of their forwards could prove crucial in breaking through this drought.
As Connor Bedard pointed out, "Stick with it, and I think once one goes in, we'll get back [to scoring]." The question remains whether more practice or creative adjustments can unlock the Hawks' dormant power play.
their power play is like, stuck in neutral 10 games in a row and it's getting frustrating. I think Coach Blashill is on the right track by trying out new practices but maybe they need to be more aggressive with those mock "black aces" squads 
its not just about practicing more but also about thinking outside the box (or in this case, their traditional push-down penalty kill system). And yessss Sam Rinzel taking over could bring some much-needed energy 
Connor Bedard's confidence is contagious though. Fingers crossed they get that first goal and suddenly everyone's optimistic again 
on social media. All this talk about practicing harder and whatnot... isn't that just a cop-out? 
I mean, come on, they're playing against some of the best teams in the league, it's not easy to break through. And another thing, 47.6% at faceoffs is kinda low, shouldn't be too hard to improve on that. 
the thing is, they're trying to fix a system that's stuck but the opposing team's system is so aggressive & tight it's like, super hard to crack 
️ meanwhile, Rinzel's return could be the spark they need, he's got that fire 
in his belly and if he can get those players moving, maybe they'll finally break through 
. But what if more practice just isn't enough? Like, how many times can you skate around a rink before you actually score? 
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. They need to mix it up, you know? Keep practicing but also try new things. That's how you break out of a slump 
. Maybe they should try playing against another team with a similar system and see what happens. And I'm curious about Rinzel coming back, that guy's got skills 
. Can't blame Bedard for being optimistic, though - he's right, once one goal goes in, the momentum shifts 
. They're already trying some new formats like five-on-zero, which is a good start, but they need something more to get that first goal 
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. Sam Rinzel can definitely bring some juice, but he needs to start seeing pucks in high danger zones ASAP 
. Maybe it's time to give him more freedom to make plays instead of just following the script?
. it's not just about practicing more, it's about simulating the opponent's strategy and catching them off guard 
. I mean, 47.6% on faceoffs is just too low 
. Bedard's optimism is cool and all, but can they find a way to get the puck past that penalty kill? 
. They need to think outside the box, like that mock "black aces" squad idea. It's not rocket science, but this team seems lost. Even with Rinzel back, I'm still skeptical they'll break through without some major shakeup.
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this team is struggling so bad! 
they need some fresh energy from Sam Rinzel ASAP 
85.3% kill rate for the opposing team's penalty kill is crazy high, I feel for them 
they're literally the best, you know? my sister's been trying to get us to try out this new grill recipe and i'm low-key skeptical but also super stoked to see what it'll be like. has anyone tried that new jerk chicken seasoning from that one brand? sounds crazy good 
, 10 straight games without a goal is brutal. I think the idea of creating a mock "black aces" squad for practice is genius 
. Maybe they can find ways to counter their own system in practice, so when they're out there on the ice, they know exactly how to shut down theirs.