Pat Maroon last missed the playoffs during the 2015-16 season, which he began with Anaheim and wrapped up in Edmonton. Since then, he has played 134 playoff games and secured three championships. The Blackhawks brought him in due to his winning mentality, hoping he can share that with his teammates and the organization. His sentiments after last night’s game carry significance, particularly his declaration of being “sick of losing.” This mindset contributes to the fourth line’s improved performance, and Maroon emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process.
Ryan Donato netted his third goal in seven games this season, despite having been a healthy scratch earlier on without much outcry. Last year, he scored 12 goals in 78 appearances, and his career high was 16 goals in the 2021-22 season with Seattle. The Blackhawks have tasked him with a grinding role on either the third or fourth line, and he’s been skating hard and performing admirably, generating results unlike some of his teammates.
Craig Smith has also made an impact with three goals and four points in his first seven games, having been a healthy scratch earlier this season without much fuss. He tallied 11 goals and 20 points in 75 games for Dallas last season and appears poised to exceed 20 points this year. His most productive season was 2017-18 in Nashville when he amassed 51 points. He has played alongside talented players like Connor Bedard and Lukas Reichel while also partnering with Donato and Maroon, yielding positive outcomes.
Bedard scored for the second consecutive night, maintaining a point-per-game average. However, his recent partnership with Reichel didn’t yield favorable results (Natural Stat Trick recorded a dismal 0 shots for and 7 against in 8:03 at even strength). His earlier chemistry with Teuvo Teräväinen has diminished, particularly on the power play. Coach Luke Richardson experimented with line combinations last night, ultimately setting up Bedard’s goal with a pass from Maroon.
The Blackhawks need to address the struggles of their second line. Bedard and Teräväinen have performed well together, while the third line—Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev, and a rotating winger (Donato, Joey Anderson, or Nick Foligno)—has effectively fulfilled a defensive role this season. The fourth line has also started off well, yet the line including Taylor Hall, Philipp Kurashev, and Tyler Bertuzzi has been largely ineffective.
Bertuzzi hit another post during Saturday’s game, a recurring theme for him this season. It feels like he’s just inches away from having scored 5-6 goals. Unfortunately, the lack of production from the second line has become a growing concern. The current roster presents challenges in resolving this issue.
On a brighter note, the next generation of Blackhawks prospects had a solid night on Saturday. However, the day was marked by the sad news of Bill Hay’s passing. Hay played for the Blackhawks from 1959-67, winning the Calder Trophy in 1959-60 and the Stanley Cup in 1961. After his playing days, he became chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame and served on its selection committee, also holding leadership roles with the Calgary Flames. He played a crucial role in shaping Hockey Canada and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2015.
