Throughout the past week or so, one truth about the Blackhawks has become painfully apparent – they can’t score. Thursday night’s loss to Seattle marked the fourth consecutive game in which Chicago has picked up just one regulation goal (including a 2-1 overtime win Sunday).
When you watch a full Blackhawks game, you understand exactly why that’s the sad reality. Chicago just can’t generate anything on offense, especially early in games. Through 30 minutes of Thursday’s game, the Blackhawks had mustered a whopping four shots. Everything looks difficult for them in the attacking end. They can’t figure out how to enter the zone – an average possession includes Chicago dumping the puck in deep and getting it immediately taken away. On the rare occasion they do get it into the offensive zone, the Blackhawks struggle to find the net. Connor Bedard is no exception, as he had another tough night putting shots on goal.
So what’s the solution? There obviously has to be some sort of change – Chicago can’t continue to score one goal per game and expect any sort of success. The solution to the Blackhawks’ scoring woes has been right under their noses this entire time.
Given the Blackhawks’ lack of scoring, it’s time for them to call up Frank Nazar. Their most prized prospect has been tearing it up in the AHL. His 11 points in 10 games are great, but he’s also doing it as the team’s top-line center with all of the attention of opposing defenses. If he’s not NHL-ready, he’s close.
While Nazar didn’t have the most productive stint when he made his NHL debut last spring, he certainly showed that he could play at the next level. He scored one goal in his three games with the Blackhawks at the end of the season, and it came on his first NHL shot.
If Nazar’s career so far is any indication, that goal will be far from his last in the NHL. He’s a tremendous offensive talent who is known for his creativity – his offensive genius is evident when he brings defenders toward him on entries, freeing up his linemates for easy goals. If that’s not what the Blackhawks need at the moment, I’m not sure what is. The main problem with the team is that they can’t find any space to get into the zone, much less free themselves up for a clear shot. Nazar’s skill set would be the perfect missing piece, giving everyone a bit more space. He has the offensive skill needed to provide a spark for a Chicago team that desperately needs one.
When he makes it to the NHL (hopefully soon), Nazar will likely center the second line. It would be exciting for the Blackhawks to try to turn that into a pure scoring line. Slide Teuvo Teravainen next to him, and add either Taylor Hall or Lukas Reichel on the other side. Until Bedard’s top line can finally get going, this new second line could be Chicago’s best hope for finding goals. Plus, Nazar’s presence would certainly be a bit more exciting!
