Schmaltz works on not passing up good opportunities
They say it's better to give than to receive.
That's pretty much been Nick Schmaltz's philosophy his entire hockey career, but the Chicago Blackhawks' forward is doing everything in his power to realize that, hey, it's OK to be selfish once in awhile.
"I'm always trying to get it in my head to shoot a little bit more," Schmaltz said before the Hawks defeated Anaheim 3-1 on Tuesday night at the United Center.
There's no doubt Schmaltz is an impressive playmaker who creates myriad opportunities for his linemates with high-end speed and puck-handling skills.
The problem is, instead of shooting, he often attempts tricky cross-ice passes to teammates that often don't connect.
Schmaltz said he's beginning to understand he needs to be more of a dual threat to make life difficult on defensemen.
"It's never a bad play to put it on net, and get a forecheck or possession off that," said Schmaltz, who skated on the right wing with Alexandre Fortin and Luke Johnson as his linemates against the Ducks. "And it really keeps the defense guessing. … If you're always looking to pass, they back off and give you space and take away the pass."
After taking just 13 shot attempts in the first five games, Schmaltz has 17 in the last four.
"He's thinking more about the shot look - whether it's one-timers or shooting through screens - (and) finding a way to get it through," coach Joel Quenneville said.
Said Schmaltz, who scored his first goal of the season against Tampa Bay on Sunday: "(I need to) keep putting it in my head that I've got a pretty good shot and I don't use it enough. … Just got to keep firing 'em and hopefully they keep falling."
Minor matter:
Coach Joel Quenneville said the Hawks sent Gustav Forsling to Rockford because they want the young defenseman to get some playing time. Forsling has been rehabbing from a wrist injury.
"He skated well with us the last few weeks," Quenneville said. "Now he's cleared to have the green light to go. Looking forward to seeing how he plays down there."
Forsberg clears:
Goalie Anton Forsberg cleared waivers Tuesday and was assigned to Rockford.
Forsberg is not expected to start when Rockford (3-2-1) hosts San Antonio on Wednesday. The IceHogs then host Cleveland on Saturday and Manitoba on Sunday. Colin Delia (3-1-0, .910 save percentage, 3.26 GAA) has been the IceHogs' No. 1 goalie.
Slap shots:
Patrick Kane's 8 goals rank second in the league. Six have come in the third period or overtime. … Luke Johnson, recalled from Rockford, played third-line center against the Ducks on Tuesday. David Kampf was a healthy scratch for the first time this season.
He said it:
"I never seen him like that. Now I'm pretty scared of him."
- Erik Gustafsson on Alex DeBrincat, who got in a scuffle with the 6-foot-3, 216-pound Josh Manson during the Hawks' victory Tuesday.