Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, NBC Sports Chicago, The Athletic Chicago
Here's a summary of newsworthy notes from Day 4 of Blackhawks training camp:
* Kevin Lankinen was removed from COVID protocol and rejoined practice while Mike Hardman is still out.
* Collin Delia also returned to practice after getting hurt on Friday.
* Colton Dach and Alec Regula remain out after sustaining injuries in Saturday's scrimmage; Regula at least participated in solo drills with coaches.
* Nolan Allan skated with both Group A and Group B yesterday.
* Other youngsters joining Allan in Group A were Reese Johnson, Jakub Pour, Dmitri Osipov, and Louis Crevier.
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Power Play Units
The power play was the focus of practice yesterday as the units had the following composition:
PP1: Kane, Toews, DeBrincat, T Johnson, S Jones
PP2: Kubalik, Borgstrom, Kurashev, Dach, Kalynuk
What was most noticeable with the PP drills is one of Eddie Olczyk's axioms: "Move the puck, move yourself." After a player made a pass, more often than not they swiftly moved to another part of the ice to get the PK moving which created passing and shooting lanes.
In prior years, the PP setup was static which made the overall strategy predictable and passes easy to telegraph. With a more dynamic format, though, the Blackhawks could be poised to improve their fortunes for a more consistently high-achieving man advantage.
Another element that could make or break the power play is making quick passes in order to rattle off more shots even if to generate rebound chances. Endless passing sequences waiting for pretty plays waste time and can be rather unproductive in the end.
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Lesson of the Day
If that was the Lightning's scouting report on the Blackhawks, one would think all other teams in the Central Division had a fairly identical analysis going into the MLB-like game series that was the hallmark of the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 regular season.
Now with that intel being shared by someone who used to be across enemy lines, it's a lesson to be learned by the Hawks in order to regain a competitive edge and elevate their stock to not only contention status but also be a formidable foe who opponent's don't take lightly.
More braun has been added to the blueline without sacrificing mobility as the Jones brothers, Jake McCabe, and Riley Stillman have joined the squad dating back to the trade deadline. Up front, more size enters the fold with Jujhar Khaira and Jakub Pour.
This doesn't count prospects who are on the cusp of challenging for roster spots within the next year or so. Hardman, MacKenzie Entwistle, Josiah Slavin, and Cam Morrison are big and physical. While smaller, Andrei Altybarmakian and Evan Barratt are tougher.
On the back end, young defenders like Ian Mitchell, Jakub Galvas, and Chad Krys are willing to battle although they give up some size. The larger specimens who are defensive defensemen like Allan, Crevier, Alex Vlasic, and Ethan Del Mastro are a few years away.
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Preseason Games
The Blackhawks begin the preseason slate of games on Wednesday hosting the Red Wings. Then this weekend is a home-at-home series against the Blues with a game at the United Center on Friday then off to St. Louis for Saturday's tilt.
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