Blackhawks Get Relief with Jason Dickinson's Return from Injury
The Chicago Blackhawks' recent struggles with center depth took a significant hit when forward Jason Dickinson returned to the lineup Sunday against the Avalanche. The 10-game absence due to an apparent shoulder injury has been a frustrating one for the team, and while it's not ideal, having Dickinson back in the mix should provide some much-needed relief.
Dickinson, however, didn't rush back into action without being thoroughly tested. The veteran forward had been practicing for nearly two weeks but waited until his body gave him the all-clear before joining the lineup. His decision to prioritize caution over eagerness is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to avoiding further setbacks.
"We lack patience oftentimes," Dickinson admitted, acknowledging that it's an area he needs to work on. "It bites me in the butt, and it did early this season." This time, however, he was willing to take the necessary time to ensure he wouldn't re-injure himself.
With Dickinson back in action, the Hawks' third line has been reunited with Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev, a combination that generated excellent results earlier in the season. The trio's chemistry is undeniable, and their ability to outscore opponents 4-1 with a 21-6 advantage in scoring chances in just 35 minutes together is a welcome sight.
The Hawks' decision to re-instate Dickinson also means they'll be able to weigh their options regarding contract extensions for the veteran forward and Mikheyev. While it's unclear what the future holds, having both players healthy and available should provide the team with some much-needed depth in the short term.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated issue for the Hawks, as two other injured players – Nick Foligno and Andre Burakovsky – will be out for their fourth and second consecutive games, respectively. While it's concerning, it's worth noting that the schedule this season has been notoriously challenging due to its condensed nature.
On a more positive note, Blackhawks defensemen Louis Crevier achieved a impressive feat by blasting the second-hardest shot recorded in the NHL this season – 102.4 mph – last week against the Flames. This marks a significant milestone for the young defenseman and should provide him with renewed confidence as he looks to continue his development.
As the Hawks navigate their current injury woes, it's clear that Dickinson's return has been a much-needed boost to their lineup. While there are still challenges ahead, having the veteran forward back in action should provide some much-needed stability and depth for the team.
The Chicago Blackhawks' recent struggles with center depth took a significant hit when forward Jason Dickinson returned to the lineup Sunday against the Avalanche. The 10-game absence due to an apparent shoulder injury has been a frustrating one for the team, and while it's not ideal, having Dickinson back in the mix should provide some much-needed relief.
Dickinson, however, didn't rush back into action without being thoroughly tested. The veteran forward had been practicing for nearly two weeks but waited until his body gave him the all-clear before joining the lineup. His decision to prioritize caution over eagerness is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to avoiding further setbacks.
"We lack patience oftentimes," Dickinson admitted, acknowledging that it's an area he needs to work on. "It bites me in the butt, and it did early this season." This time, however, he was willing to take the necessary time to ensure he wouldn't re-injure himself.
With Dickinson back in action, the Hawks' third line has been reunited with Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev, a combination that generated excellent results earlier in the season. The trio's chemistry is undeniable, and their ability to outscore opponents 4-1 with a 21-6 advantage in scoring chances in just 35 minutes together is a welcome sight.
The Hawks' decision to re-instate Dickinson also means they'll be able to weigh their options regarding contract extensions for the veteran forward and Mikheyev. While it's unclear what the future holds, having both players healthy and available should provide the team with some much-needed depth in the short term.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated issue for the Hawks, as two other injured players – Nick Foligno and Andre Burakovsky – will be out for their fourth and second consecutive games, respectively. While it's concerning, it's worth noting that the schedule this season has been notoriously challenging due to its condensed nature.
On a more positive note, Blackhawks defensemen Louis Crevier achieved a impressive feat by blasting the second-hardest shot recorded in the NHL this season – 102.4 mph – last week against the Flames. This marks a significant milestone for the young defenseman and should provide him with renewed confidence as he looks to continue his development.
As the Hawks navigate their current injury woes, it's clear that Dickinson's return has been a much-needed boost to their lineup. While there are still challenges ahead, having the veteran forward back in action should provide some much-needed stability and depth for the team.