Against Boston Bruins Thursday evening, the Chicago Blackhawks dressed six defenders who are every 23 years or less. Louis Crevier, 23, was the oldest player to play in defense for Chicago in this one.
The four Frozen semi-finals took place at the same time as this match. One of the teams, western Michigan, dressed six defenders who were older than the Blackhawks had Bruins. Commitment to young people is fully exposed for Chicago.
One of the programming defenders, Sam Rinzel, plays far beyond his years. He is one of the 20 -year -old children that the Hawks had in defense. You would think that he would be one of the guys safe on the third pair, but he was the number one in the whole match.
Rinzel had a decisive pass, but it was more of his defensive work which was noticeable. He can have an impact with his game in the three areas. In his sixth NHL match, he led the Blackhawks in time of ice by playing 24:54.
It was almost three minutes more than Alex Vlasic who played 10:07 pm, which was the second more of the team. Vlasic was the number one in this team all year round until Rinzel arrives. Now they form a wonderful pair that Anders Sorensen is comfortable putting in any situation.
Rinzel had lightning when he was at the University of Minnesota, but you never know if it will translate to the highest level of the game. It did for Rinzel and it only took a few weeks.
How will Rinzel be at the age of 25 to 28? It is frightening to think about the impact level he could have when he is in the context of his career.
After the match, a 5-2 victory for the Blackhawks over the Bruins, the acting coach Anders Sorensen spoke a lot about his young defense unit dressed in this match.
“Give them a lot of credit,” said Sorensen when they were asked that they are so young together. He knows that it can be difficult to have an impact at this level with such a limited amount of experience.
“Yeah, it’s a young d-core," Sorenson continued his group. "I think they kept well together. It’s not easy to come here and play against (Pastrnak) and some of these guys. They did a good job, they are hung in there. ”
There is a lot of growth that still comes with this group. They will not continue to dress six defenders under 23, but a good veteran or two will help them grow.
The fact that Sam Rinzel is already able to direct a blue line in the NHL says a lot about how he can play. His ability to close the opposition and make waves in the offensive area is the best of the team at present.
If Levshunov can match Rinzel’s level of play, they will be a force with which it is necessary to count. Tons of other young defenders are there with them in the organization. Good times are ahead of Chicago.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks Team site to stay up to date on the Latest news,, day of play blanket, Characteristics of playersand more.