Blackhawks Q&A: Why players like the unique schedule this season
Here's Part II of our Blackhawks reader Q&A:
Q: Thoughts from players and coaches on the plusses and minuses of the reduced travel schedule?
@GregArcus on Twitter
• Calvin de Haan: “I like the schedule. It's kind of nice hanging out after a game not having to load up the bus and hop on the plane right away. I don't know how the NHL's going to figure it out in the future, but I think the players like this kind of format. ... When things are normal — hopefully that's soon — in the division you can kind of keep this schedule.”
• Ian Mitchell: “You hear a lot about rookies in their first year getting worn down. Being able to stay over in a place a couple of nights has been beneficial. I don't feel worn down yet. ... I guess it's still early in the year, but I thought the schedule with the amount of games would really take a toll on me. But so far, I don't think it has. That's been a huge benefit for myself, coming in and maybe not being used to playing this many games.”
• Duncan Keith: “I think it's been very good, actually. ... Just being able to play and stay in the same city and take two games off the schedule, where you're not coming in and out, cuts down on the travel and just makes it a lot easier for the recovery.”
• Patrick Kane: “I like the schedule. ... I've always liked playing different teams as well, though. It's fun to play different teams during the regular season ... and not be playing the same team two or three times in a row all the time. But it is nice on the travel and it is nice being in the same spot and getting the games out of the way that you're playing against that team.”
Q: Has Nicolas Beaudin been the biggest surprise for you this season? I see Duncan Keith in him and he's been fantastic. @MattdeMicael93
A: Honestly, no. I've been more stunned by the steady play of the goaltenders, the relentlessness of Brandon Hagel, how well Alex DeBrincat has rebounded after a rough year, the ridiculous hot power play and how quickly Pius Suter and Philipp Kurashev have acclimated themselves to the NHL game.
Beaudin — for me anyway — hasn't been a huge surprise.
I loved how he looked in his one appearance at the end of last season and was also impressed with his play during training camp.
Now, that's not to say I'm not a little surprised because it is very difficult for rookie defensemen to not only get comfortable right away but to also assert themselves offensively like they've been around for five years.
Yet, that's what Beaudin has done. It's a bit early to compare him to Keith, but Beaudin definitely has what it takes to quarterback the top power-play unit. With defensemen, of course, it's always about how you take care of your own zone.
How will Beaudin defend against the Connor McDavids, the Patrik Laines and the Nathan MacKinnons down the road? If he's able to do that, then the Hawks are really in good shape for many years to come.
Q: Which player has surprised Jeremy Colliton most thus far? Bob Millikan, Indianapolis
A: Asked this question in training camp, Colliton went with Beaudin. When asked Tuesday, though, he didn't single anyone out. No shock there since more than half the team is surprising.
“It's a long list,” Colliton said. “That's part of why we're building some depth and finding some consistency in our game. ...
“But we need to continue that story. There's no time to feel that the job is done or get complacent. ... (Whether) you're a rookie in your 12th, 13th, 14th game ... or if you're a 12-year pro — in this league you've got to earn it every day. It's important that we keep that mindset.”
Q: Even if they are staying competitive and/or winning later in the year, do they continue to get more younger guys experience? @nick_myers00
A: The Hawks have done quite a bit of this already, especially with COVID and injuries ravaging the roster much of the year. I'd expect to see defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk soon, possibly on this road trip.
But they're not going to rush anybody to the NHL just to get him a few games. It's better to let guys develop in the AHL, especially if the players we've already seen continue to excel.
Q: When do you think Lukas Reichel will join the Hawks? @cole_wyatt
A: Reichel, taken 17th overall by the Hawks in the 2021 draft, is playing for Eisbaren Berlin of the DEL, Germany's top pro league. The 6-foot, 170-pound forward could vie for a spot next season, but my guess is he won't be a regular in the lineup until 2022-2023.