The Chicago Blackhawks have played 19 games and are last in the NHL with six wins and 13 points. A lot of the shortcomings so far have been because of lack of scoring and playing a more simple game, like Ilya Mikheyev has played.
Mikheyev may not be the most productive offensive player this season and has sat out for two of the games, but he is making his mark in other ways and it is noticed by Luke Richardson.
The Blackhawks’ head coach said, “I think it was a good night for Mikheyev…I think he skated so well out there and just simple, and he tracked, turned pucks over, nixed chances in the second period. I think that’s where all of our lines can do that and it’ll help everybody, including Connor (Bedard). Turning pucks over might get him a chance or might get Donato a chance, or someone else on the line. I think we just got to start looking at the simple part of our games that can add to more offense.”
Mikheyev is very responsible on the ice and even though he has the ability to produce offense like he’s done in the past, he hasn’t been able to this season, but continues to play a game that will keep him in the lineup every night.
Chicago has only gotten two goals and three points in 17 games from Mikheyev, but he is on the second line for a reason. I’m sure Richardson has emphasized the play of Mikheyev and tried to get the rest of the team to play the same way.
Related: Luke Richardson Must Keep Connor Bedard With Jason Dickinson For Now
Richardson noted that the Blackhawks don’t have the skill yet to go back and forth offensively like some of the teams like Edmonton and Colorado, but can start winning more games by playing more simple.
Richardson also mentioned that Bedard can even start doing some things that Mikheyev has done right every game because Bedard is struggling to score goals and not producing at the rate that many expected him to, including himself.
Mikheyev seems like a great addition to the Blackhawks that might have gone under the radar because he wasn’t signed in the big free agency. He is proving that every player doesn’t have to score a ton to be successful in the NHL and help their team out.
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