Yesterday, I wrote about the three biggest surprises of the season so far for the Blackhawks, and Ryan Donato was an easy choice for the top spot. With five goals and an assist in five games, Donato’s offensive outburst has been a shock, and he’s clearly been the best player on the ice for Chicago.
To be fair, he hasn’t had much competition in that department. Donato has twice as many goals as Chicago’s next-highest scorers. The Blackhawks have mostly been great on the defensive end, but can’t seem to find the net too often, a large factor in the tough start that has them sitting in dead-last in the NHL.
In Saturday’s game against the Kings, the Blackhawks appear to be making a change to solve their biggest problem. Chicago isn’t having a morning skate in LA, but if the lines in practice Friday were any indication, we’ll see Donato with a pretty hefty promotion.
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Well, that’s different. It’s an interesting move to put Donato on the top line, especially considering the success he’s had in the bottom six. The argument could be made that part of Donato’s scoring outburst could be attributed to him playing alongside defensive-minded forwards like Jason Dickinson, who can free him up to focus on the offensive end. I believe Donato’s scoring is more a result of him just being on a heater, but playing alongside those skaters doesn’t hurt.
On the other hand, moving Donato to the top line could be just what Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev need to get going. Both players have struggled out of the gate, and they’re a big part of why head coach Luke Richardson feels his team needs more dirty goals, rather than clean one-timers or slick moves. Donato has excelled in that area, being in the right place at the right time. Donato could be just what Bedard and Kurashev need, and all eyes will be on that trio Saturday afternoon.
