Blackhawks Youth Making a Difference in March

The term “Let the kids play” is a hockey term often used a lot during rebuilds, and in the Chicago Blackhawks‘ case, all the injuries this season have shown that their younger players have needed to step up more than ever.

The individual results have been hit or miss most nights, as expected. But something to note from the Blackhawks 5-2 comeback win over the San Jose Sharks on March 17 is that it was driven by the “kids,” which has been a more consistent theme in March. Let’s examine how they have gotten to this point.

Korchinski Got Back on the Scoresheet

Defenseman Kevin Korchinski has had a bit of a rough ride this season on the ice. Hailed for his offensive power when he got drafted in 2022, his production at the NHL level has been scarce, as he sometimes went six games without registering a point, and in total, he only has 12 points and is a minus-30 in 62 games, which is a stark contrast to the 73 points in 54 games he put up with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League last season. He has developed the growing pains that all defensemen go through, being that he got briefly benched last month, and there were some defensive miscues that head coach Luke Richardson said they were working to correct with him. However, his skill is evident through the bumps, and he will be an exceptional talent when he develops.

San Jose was a prime example. He took a shot that got deflected, which ended up being the game-winning goal, but it shows what he can do. He thinks the game differently than most defensemen in ways that make him look like a forward on some nights. Korchinski mentioned he was focusing more on his defensive game and noting his offense would come over time. (from ‘Kevin Korchinski, while frustrated, believes the points will come: ‘You can’t force it’- The Athletic – 01/25/2024).

Related: Blackhawks’ Korchinski Is Already Team’s Best Offensive D-Man

It was great to see Korchinski get his fourth goal of the year (breaking a 14-game drought), and he mentioned after the game that the biggest thing he learned this season was being more confident in himself. As he grows more accustomed to the NHL, he can only get better, especially now with the 19-year-old logging the fourth-most ice time per game on the team, averaging 19:40 minutes per night, getting top power play opportunities, and more. It was a big night for him.