Chicago Blackhawks' Anisimov trying to find his new rhythm
When Artemi Panarin was traded to Columbus last June, many pundits wondered how it would effect Patrick Kane's play this season.
It was an understandable storyline, but what almost nobody considered was how Panarin's departure would affect good buddy Artem Anisimov, who centered Kane and Panarin's line most of the past two seasons.
Bottom line: It hasn't been good. Anisimov, coming off back-to-back 20-goal seasons, had just 2 goals and 1 assist in 11 games. He's mostly played with Patrick Sharp and Alex DeBrincat on his wings, and admitted it's been tough to adjust.
"It's a different game," said Anisimov, who did score a shorthanded goal against the Predators at the United Center on Friday. "You know, (Panarin's) gone. And what can I do about that? I just need to play my best game without him."
Said coach Joel Quenneville: "When he came here it was a pretty good treat playing with (Kane and Panarin) right off the bat. Arty did a good job of playing his role, doing his thing and … getting to the front of the net. He was very effective."
One big difference is where Anisimov is starting with the puck after whistles. The last two seasons, he started in the offensive zone 66 percent of the time; this year that number is 41.2. Consequently, his Corsi For percentage has plummeted from 50 to 43.7.
"Slow start obviously. The production's not the way I want it," said Anisimov, who had 7 goals and 7 assists at this time last season. "I need to play more with the puck and bring the puck to the net. Things are going to happen around the net."
"(I also need) to simplify my game a little bit and play stronger defense and get quicker back to offense."
Anisimov, who was paired with Kane in Games 3-5 when Nick Schmaltz was injured, started Friday's game with Sharp and John Hayden on his wings.
"Everybody brings something different to the line," Anisimov said. "I just need to find the strong sides of the guys and play with them."
New top pair:
Joel Quenneville decided to break up Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook for Friday's game vs. Nashville, dropping Seabrook down to the second pairing with Gustav Forsling and moving Jan Rutta up to play with Keith.
Rutta, the 27-year-old Czech rookie, has delighted Hawks coaches with his strong play thus far.
"Ruts has come in here and earned a little bit more each and every day and game," Quenneville said. "Just watching them (Rutta and Keith) in practice and in some games, (they're) complimentary offensively and strong defensively."
Slap shots:
Entering Friday's action, the Blackhawks ranked sixth in blocked shots with 151. Brent Seabrook leads the team with 21. … Patrick Kane has 764 points and needs 15 to tie Doug Wilson for fifth in Hawks history. Kane also needs 8 goals to tie Dennis Hull (298) for fifth in franchise history. … Brandon Saad turned 25 on Friday.