How new Blackhawks coach is changing the defense

Having played in a combined 2,037 regular-season contests — with nearly all of them coming under the tutelage of Joel Quenneville — Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are used to playing the game a certain way.

So when the Chicago Blackhawks named Jeremy Colliton as Quenneville's successor last week, it meant the veteran defensemen's worlds were about to be turned completely upside down.

Indeed, two old dogs are finding out if they can be taught some new tricks.

“There's a little bit of a learning curve for us old buggers,” Seabrook admitted after the Hawks shut out the St. Louis Blues 1-0 on Wednesday at the United Center. “But the way he's preaching it (and) the way he's talking about it is good stuff.”

One of the biggest changes is happening in the Hawks' defensive zone as Colliton switches from Quenneville's zone style to more of a man-to-man defense.

To help them pick things up faster, Colliton paired Keith and Seabrook together the last two games.

And guess what? The Hawks didn't allow an even-strength goal in either contest.

“Putting them together has helped because they're learning it together at the same time,” Colliton said. “I see a progression, and even in a conversation with them today they're starting to feel more comfortable. … They're pretty smart guys. They've been around (and) will adjust quickly.”

So what exactly are the differences and what will you notice when you're watching?

A few things.

• First, when there's a 1-on-1 puck battle along the boards and an opponent is sending a second forward in, the Hawks have the green light to go and help out their teammate. If still another of the opponents' players goes in, another of Colliton's players can attack, as long as they stay on the defensive side of the puck.

“(New) Jersey would sometimes have four of their guys in one corner,” Brandon Manning said. “As long you can get those guys stopped, they're not going to be able to come up with the puck.”

• Manning, who had a tough time picking up Quenneville's system, said he believes it's not only easier to identify your man, but that the Hawks won't be sitting back and allowing opponents to dictate play as much as they did in the past.

Once guys are able to react instinctively, they'll jump on a guy and disrupt the offensive flow faster.

“With the old system — left 'D' off the post, right 'D' off the post — if they start cycling on you, it's harder to identify which guy's yours,” Manning said. “You're a little more hesitant because having a D-man at the net, you're just kind of waiting for things to play out. The centerman is chasing more.

“(Man-to-man) is a lot more aggressive. It takes away time and space from the other team more rather than waiting for a centerman to come and support you or waiting for the left 'D' to go to his side of the ice. Once guys get it figured out it's going to be a lot quicker and a lot sharper.”

• The forwards are being asked to step up their defensive games — and change their mindsets — as well.

For example, when one of the defensemen decides to zoom over to the other side of the ice during a puck battle along the boards, it's absolutely critical that a retreating forward picks that D-man's player.

The Hawks looked utterly lost during the first game under Colliton as Carolina found all kinds of open ice and grabbed a 4-0 lead in less than 22 minutes.

“We got cut open over and over,” Colliton said.

Said veteran Marcus Kruger: “I wouldn't say it's confusing, but it's a process. It's always a process, even if you play the same system for six, seven years.

“You've still got to learn and adapt. That's what we're doing now and we're taking it step by step. We're moving in the right direction.”

Since that onslaught by the Hurricanes, Colliton's squad has given up just 6 goals in about 11 periods — and 1 of those went into an empty net.

If the progression continues, the Hawks should easily win Friday against a reeling Los Angeles Kings squad that is 5-11-1 and has managed 2 goals in the last three games.

It almost feels like a must win, too, because after that the schedule gets really nasty.

“Overall, we've got to be pretty pleased with the transition,” Colliton said. “When I watch the games, it's pretty clear that they're adjusting well. We were really good Monday (at Carolina) and we were solid (Wednesday), and we got 3 out of 4 points.

“So we're on the right path. … We need to continue to put together solid performances and we'll get our points.”