Hawk Shots: Chicago Blackhawks Shuffle Lines to Create More Scoring Chances

Before the All-Star Break, the Chicago Blackhawks were struggling to put the puck in the net. To remedy this, coach Joel Quenneville has decided to do a bit of line shuffling to create more scoring opportunities.

Quenneville spoke to the media yesterday and had this to say about the line juggling:

"We didn't like the way we exited going into the break," he said of the Hawks mustering just five goals in their last four games, including one in the final two—both losses. "We're looking for more production and pace in our game. It slowed down a bit. A fresher look can change how we're playing as a group and maybe get some more offensive flow to our game, more puck possession [and] more speed.

"When we were effective, all three [scoring] lines were contributing and all four lines were into the flow of the game. Hopefully, we can recapture that feeling."

Here are the proposed new lines for the Blackhawks on Wednesday versus the Anaheim Ducks:

Andrew Ladd-Jonathan Toews-Patrick Sharp

Patrick Kane-Dave Bolland-Martin Havlat

Troy Brouwer-Craig Adams-Dustin Byfuglien

Pascal Pelletier-Colin Fraser-Adam Burish

This move brings Patrick Sharp back to the wing and provides the 'Hawks with two extremely strong offensive lines, but also provides them with two fairly weaker lines, offensively.

Sharp seemed quite happy with the new lineup, as he is returning to a more comfortable position for him at wing.

"You still have defensive responsibilities [at wing] and that's a priority," Sharp said. "I can use my speed a little more, challenge defensemen one-on-one more. That's something I like to do. I've been talking about [playing wing] for a while now and it's time to show it."

I believe Sharp will be far more effective offensively on the wing because his defensive obligations will decrease with the move. As he said, can use his speed far more than he can at center.

The 'Hawks will be without their top-scoring rookie Kris Versteeg, who will be replaced in the lineup by winger Pascal Pelletier, which is odd. With this line juggling and the moving of Sharp to the wing, one would think this is the best time to bring up a play-making centerman like Petri Kontiola.

Instead the 'Hawks recalled Pascal Pelletier, another winger, and have decided to have Craig Adams, a natural right wing, center the third line. As such, it's likely Kontiola will never be seen in a Blackhawks sweater this season—or ever.

Even though I do not understand the construction of the third and fourth lines, I love the construction of the first and second lines and the movement of Sharp back to the wing.

Tonight, we will see if these line changes spark this heretofore inept offense.

Blackhawks News and Notes

Defensemen Duncan Keith will make his return to the Blackhawks' lineup tonight in Anaheim as the Blackhawks begin their 17-day, eight game journey. Keith has been out of the lineup since Jan. 14, when he was hit in the head by Buffalo Sabre forward Drew Stafford.

Kris Versteeg will not be in the lineup against the the Ducks because of a finger injury. Pelletier will talk Versteeg's place in the lineup, but will be playing on the fourth line with Colin Fraser and Adam Burish.

*Side Note, this is my 100th Chicago Blackhawks Article, thank you for all that have read my previous work and will continue to.