Kahun finds a better fit on Blackhawks second line
For the 16 of the first 17 games of Dominik Kahun's NHL career, he had the privilege of skating with Jonathan Toews on the Blackhawks' top line.
But it appears new coach Jeremy Colliton has found a better place for his 22-year-old forward, pairing him with fellow young guns Alex DeBrincat and David Kampf on the second line in the last three games.
In their first game together during a 3-2 overtime loss in Carolina, the 20-year-old DeBrincat scored the Hawks' second goal after receiving a perfect drop pass from Kahun.
"A lot of guys don't see that play," DeBrincat said. "His vision was pretty good there to be able to drop it to me right in the slot."
Two nights later, Colliton kept the trio together against the Blues, and although they didn't create much offensively, they were often asked to keep Vladimir Tarasenko's line at bay.
"They did a really good job," Colliton said. "That's not an easy task for three fairly young players, so that's a real positive for us."
Colliton stuck with this line combination against the Kings at the United Center on Friday, a game the Hawks lost 2-1 in a shootout.
Sitting again:
Alexandre Fortin was a healthy scratch for a second straight game Friday. The speedy forward has 2 goals in 15 games, but has failed to convert on numerous scoring opportunities.
"We're happy with him," said coach Jeremy Colliton. "He's played well. He adds a different dimension, too, (with) his speed and making it uncomfortable for the defensemen. … It's his first year. It's not going to be easy for him. Next time he gets the chance, continue on the same progression and don't allow us to take him out."
Roster moves:
Marcus Kruger, who missed three games with a leg injury, was activated from injured reserve and centered the fourth line against the Kings on Friday. The Hawks placed defenseman Brandon Davidson on IR with a right leg injury.
Kruger had 2 goals in 16 games before Friday.
Slap shots:
The Rockford IceHogs announced that forward Matthew Highmore will be out 4-6 months after having surgery on his right shoulder. Highmore scored 2 goals in 13 games for the Blackhawks last season and had 3 goals in eight games for Rockford this season. … Luke Johnson was a healthy scratch Friday for the third time in six games. … The Kings (0-for-20) have yet to score a power-play goal on the road. … Since 3-on-3 overtime was introduced in the 2015-16 season, the Kings lead the league with 33 OT victories and own a 68.8 winning percentage. The Hawks rank second in total victories with 28, but their winning percentage is .509.