Blackhawks' Boqvist learning under pressure

Sitting high above the action as a healthy scratch in Winnipeg last week, Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist couldn't believe how slow everyone looked.

It was almost like guys were skating in quicksand as they moved from zone to zone.

Boqvist, three-fourths of the way into his rookie season, obviously knows that's not the case and that players are often zipping around at an frenzied, breakneck pace.

But this experience had a profound effect on the 19-year-old - a light bulb moment, if you will - as he realized there's often more time than you think to make decisions with the puck.

"You can see it from up top and learn a little bit," Boqvist said. "Sometimes you feel like you're under pressure but you're not. ... I'm young, I'm going to learn. It's a good process for me.

"I've been struggling a little bit lately. I just (need) to battle through this (and) hopefully finish the last 20 games good."

It's been an interesting campaign for Boqvist, selected eighth overall by the Hawks in 2018. He began the season in the AHL with Rockford, was called up for about two weeks early on, went back to Rockford and was recalled Dec. 9

Since returning, Boqvist has played in 28 of 31 games, scored 3 goals, dished out 4 assists and is averaging 17 minutes of ice time.

He's had impressive moments - one of the biggest coming on a second-period goal at Edmonton last week that had Patrick Kane exclaiming, "What a shot!"

But, as happens to many young defensemen, he's also been exposed.

A perfect example came during the Rangers' 6-3 victory at the United Center Wednesday when veteran forward Chris Kreider exploded into the offensive zone and charged to the net before a retreating Boqvist knew what hit him. Kreider's 24th goal of the season made it 4-2 midway through the third period.

Boqvist admitted paying too much attention to Mika Zibanejad, who was in the middle of the 3-on-2.

"So I opened up room for Kreider," Boqvist said before the Hawks' 2-1 overtime win over Nashville Friday. "Next time probably going to be more aware and out there on Kreider. (Then) I can be there right away so he doesn't get that time to pick up that speed."

Said coach Jeremy Colliton: "It's a hard league and there's really good players. They're going to challenge you, especially as we get into the end of the season here where the level goes up every game. ...

"But that's ultimately going to make him better, the adversity he's going through."

This trial by fire has become more commonplace as teams rush prospects into the NHL without a season or two to hone their craft in the minors. For this reason it's important the confidence level stays high for players like Boqvist, Kirby Dach and Alex Nylander.

Boqvist is more fortunate than many young blue-liners in that his defense partner for much of the season has been 35-year-old Duncan Keith. And - just like Dach and Nylander - he's not living alone in a hotel room, having accepted an offer to stay with Alex DeBrincat.

"He's enjoyed living with me," said DeBrincat, who then added with a laugh: "I hope."

Boqvist's living quarters are in the basement, though he spends plenty of time watching hockey with DeBrincat on a couch upstairs.

As for chores? DeBrincat said he just expects the basement to stay relatively clean.

The two have become fast friends, which is no surprise considering Boqvist's laid-back personality.

"He's pretty quiet, but once he gets out of his shell he likes to joke around," DeBrincat said. "He's always happy and has always got a smile on his face. Puts you in a better mood when he's giggling and laughing at everything. It's been good having him there."

Said Boqvist: "It's perfect."

Boqvist, who made 54 appearances for the OHL's London Knights last season, admitted the NHL season has worn on him at times.

It's not just the 82 games, either. It's also the fact he's facing the best players in the world.

Every night. Every period. And every shift.

"That's a challenge for a young player - that could be part of (his recent struggles)," Colliton said. "It's our job to help him through it. Any adversity that he goes through - as long as he doesn't let it overcome him - it's going to make him better.

"That's how we got to look at it; that's how he's got to look at it."