Just winging it: Blackhawks' Reichel moved out of center spot

Coming off an 8-1 drubbing at the hands of Arizona, coach Luke Richardson mixed things up a bit at practice Wednesday at Fifth Third Arena by moving Lukas Reichel to the wing.

Reichel, who still does not have a goal or assist, centered the second line during the Blackhawks' first nine games.

"Of course I want to play center too, but I do whatever they want," Reichel said. "A switch or a change to wing maybe helps, so we'll see."

Andreas Athanasiou took Reichel's spot at center, and they were joined by Taylor Raddysh. Richardson isn't sure if he'll go with this setup for the Hawks' next game, which isn't until Saturday against Florida.

Some of it may depend on if Taylor Hall can return from a shoulder injury.

Reichel is getting at least 1-2 chances a game, but many of his shots seem to be soaked up by the belly of the goaltender.

There's no doubt the drought is weighing on him.

"Of course I'm (mad)," Reichel said. "I'm frustrated. I want to score. It's more fun if you score; that's why I'm a forward.

"But I try to stay positive and keep working."

Said Richardson, "As long as he continues to stay positive and work hard like he is, he's going to have a breakthrough game."

Injury update:

Taylor Hall was on the ice before practice Wednesday and may be able to join his teammates when they're on the ice again Friday. Hall reaggravated a shoulder injury during the Hawks' loss to Vegas at the United Center on Oct. 21.

Coach Luke Richardson loves how the veteran has twice shown determination to return from injury.

"That's really encouraging," Richardson said. "(Both) times he's been pushing to come back. It's good. We don't want him playing hurt, but we want guys showing they can push through some stuff."

Alex Vlasic, who returned to Chicago after taking an awkward hit in Vegas on Friday, remains in concussion protocol.

Vlasic isn't ready to be tested, but Richardson said his D-man "has responded well and it's time to ramp it up a bit."

Slap shots:

Through Tuesday, Connor Bedard leads all rookies in goals (4) and is second in points (6) behind Ottawa's Ridly Greig (7). ... Monday's 8-1 loss to Arizona was the Hawks' worst margin of defeat since 2017. It was also just the second time in the last four-plus seasons the Hawks allowed 8 goals. ... The Blackhawks rank 31st on the power play at 9.1% (3-for-33). They've also allowed 2 short-handed goals. ... The Hawks rank eighth on the penalty kill at 86.7%.