Blackhawks Goaltending Leading Them Out of the NHL Cellar

The Chicago Blackhawks have started to turn things around over the past week and a half. After firing Jeremy Colliton and replacing him with interim head coach Derek King, Chicago has gone 3-0-0, moving from 31st in the NHL standings to a tie for 28th with the Montreal Canadiens. It’s not much, but it’s progress.

Chicago’s first 12 games this season were a dumpster fire compared to what this team was supposed to be on paper. Games are not played on paper. The start of the 2021-22 season for the Blackhawks, and what would be the final 12 games of the Jeremy Colliton-era of hockey in Chicago, looked like this from an advanced stats perspective at 5v5 even-strength hockey (note the relative ranking in paranthesis).

Blackhawks NHL Ranks at 5v5 before November 7th:

•   Corsi-For%: 45.09 (30th)
•   Shots-For%: 43.56 (31st)
•   Expected Goals-For%: 40.73 (32nd)
•   Scoring Chances-For%: 43.25 (31st)
•   High-Danger Scoring Chances-For%: 45.78 (26th)
•   High-Danger Save%: .721 (32nd)
•   Shooting%: 5.65 (29th)
•   Save%: .872 (32nd)
•   PDO: 0.929 (32nd)

Here’s how they have looked at 5v5 hockey since Derek King took over.

Blackhawks NHL Ranks at 5v5 since November 7th:

•   Corsi-For%: 41.41 (31st)
•   Shots-For%: 43.26 (31st)
•   Expected Goals-For%: 43.21 (27th)
•   Scoring Chances-For%: 43.94 (28th)
•   High-Danger Scoring Chances-For%: 43.86 (26th)
•   High-Danger Save%: .880 (8th)
•   Shooting%: 4.92 (29th)
•   Save%: .962 (2nd)
•   PDO: 1.012 (13th)

Taking into account that the Blackhawks have had one of the better powerplay units in the league, ranking 15th on the man-advantage overall this season, it’s only fair to show that they weren’t completely in the dumpster offensively to begin the year. Although, when you are celebrating a spot in the low-20’s in the NHL, you’re not doing much right.

Blackhawks NHL Ranks at All Strengths before November 7th:

•   Corsi-For%: 47.91(23rd)
•   Shots-For%: 47.00 (27th)
•   Expected Goals-For%: 47.57 (25th)
•   Scoring Chances-For%: 46.85 (25th)
•   High-Danger Scoring Chances-For%: 50.63 (15th)
•   High-Danger Save%: .717 (32nd)
•   Shooting%: 7.45 (27th)
•   Save%: .879 (30th)
•   PDO: 0.955 (30th)
•   Powerplay%: 22.2 (12th)

Blackhawks NHL Ranks at All Strengths since November 7th:

•   Corsi-For%: 47.26 (25th)
•   Shots-For%: 51.38 (12th)
•   Expected Goals-For%: 55.97 (9th)
•   Scoring Chances-For%: 50.30 (16th)
•   High-Danger Scoring Chances-For%: 52.70 (11th)
•   High-Danger Save%: .889 (7th)
•   Shooting%: 6.45 (26th)
•   Save%: .954 (1st)
•   PDO: 1.019 (12th)
•   Powerplay%: 10.0 (25th)

Chicago is just 1-for-10 on the powerplay in three games since King took over. So what is the key factor to the turnaround?

Derek King’s coaching style and message to the team has resonated, for sure. He wants the team to play more relaxed, more loose, and more off instinct. It’s worked and the players are behind him. But take a look at those italicized categories above…notice a difference from before and after November 7th?

Who would have thought that once Marc-André Fleury started to play like “Marc-André Fleury,” the Blackhawks would become a better team?

Yes, Fleury is playing behind a much different, much worse, defense than he had in recent years with the Golden Knights, but we couldn’t have expected him and Kevin Lankinen, the breakout starter for the Blackhawks from last season, to play so absolutely awful to begin the season.

There have been 50 NHL goalies to play 60 minutes of TOI since November 7th, Fleury has made two starts for the Blackhawks in that time and Lankinen has made one. They won all three games, obviously. Here is how the two stack-up to the rest of the league since the coaching change in Chicago.

Marc-André Fleury Ranks at All Strengths since November 7th:

•   Save%: .955 (4th)
•   Goals Saved Above Average: 3.05 (6th)
•   High-Danger Save%: .909 (9th)
•   Average Shot Distance (feet): 32.48 (34th)

Kevin Lankinen Ranks at All Strengths since November 7th:

•   Save%: .952 (5th)
•   Goals Saved Above Average: 0.90 (21st)
•   High-Danger Save%: .800 (33rd)
•   Average Shot Distance (feet): 28.05 (50th – worst)

While I don’t think the coaching change from Colliton to King has much to do with the goaltending, especially since goalie coach Jimmy Waite was kept on staff, but there is a mentality and confidence change happening in the locker room that is translating to a better team effort at both ends of the ice, allowing for Fleury and Lankinen to have a better chance to stay above water. Chicago has a +5 shot differential since November 7th, compared to a -44 to begin the season. It’s a lot easier to play goalie in the NHL when your team has the puck more often and making your opponent work harder than yourself. It’s a wild theory, I know.

These rebound performances by the club and their respective net-minders could be a small sample of what is ahead for the Blackhawks. They begin a four-game road-trip tomorrow against the Seattle Kraken, a team that has experienced the worst goaltending in the NHL this season, but is also leading the league in High-Danger Scoring Chances-For% (55.90) and is fourth in Scoring Chances-For% (54.45). Whomever is in net for Chicago will have their hands full, but it appears they are up for the task now.

written by

Mario Tirabassi is a writer for Bleacher Nation. You can follow him on Twitter @Mario_Tirabassi.

more blackhawks news

The Greatest Sports Watching Day of the Year, Next Year’s TV, an IceHogs Stunner, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Congratulations, sports fans! Today, March 28, 2024 is the greatest sports viewing day of the calendar year. Hands down, lock it up, no competition. It's Opening Day in MLB and Sweet 16 day one in the NCAA men's basketball tournament....

NHL Notes: Penguins Paradox, Torts Apologizes, Doan’s Dazzling Debut, Rangers Punch Ticket, More

It's a mid-week edition of NHL Notes and we have plenty to cover around the league. The Penguins find themselves with a tricky decision as their season draws to a close. John Tortorella dished out an apology to one of...

These 3 Blackhawks Veterans Are Having Terrific Seasons

Entering Thursday night's action, the Chicago Blackhawks have the second-worst point percentage in the NHL -- even while they're 6-4-0 in their last 10 games. And they own the second-worst goal differential in the league (minus-76). It's been a long,...

We Need to Talk About Jason Dickinson As a Selke Trophy Candidate — Again

Back in early February as the Blackhawks wrapped their pre-All-Star Game schedule, I wrote about Jason Dickinson's case for Selke Trophy votes. We're now ten games away from the end of Chicago's regular season, and with Dickinson reaching 20 goals...

Slaggert’s Big Night, Bedard’s Tape, Felcman to Rockford, Anderson, Tinordi, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

I'm gonna continue to smile, just like Landon Slaggert, because of his performance in last night's Blackhawks win. The former Notre Dame captain had his parents and young brother in the stands and he had one helluva game last night....

Blackhawks 3, Flames 1 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The message Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson was trying to get across with Monday's bag skate clearly landed. The start Chicago had on Tuesday night was a polar opposite of what they showed in the three games in California. They...

Blackhawks vs Flames – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

After a disappointing road trip that saw the Blackhawks get smoked for 7 of 9 periods, the team got a bag skate on Monday to think about their effort. They'll get back on the ice tonight in front of a...

Happy Birthday Luke, Bag Skate Monday, Bedard vs. Faber, Saturday Cartoons, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson is celebrating a birthday today. He's celebrating his Korchinski year; today is his 55th birthday. Happy birthday, Luke! Hope you get a win tonight so you can celebrate with some wine. There have been...

Blackhawks Prospects, Draft Hopefuls Ready for OHL Playoffs

The Ontario Hockey League playoffs begin this week on Thursday. The Chicago Blackhawks will have five prospects still playing in the OHL postseason: Gavin Hayes (Sault Ste. Marie), Paul Ludwinski (Kingston), Nick Lardis (Brantford), Alex Pharand (Sudbury) and Martin Misiak...

When Do Blackhawks Prospects Play in the NCAA Tournament?

On Sunday we learned the Chicago Blackhawks will have six prospects playing in the NCAA men's ice hockey tournament this year. Games on the road to the Frozen Four begin on Thursday. Here's the schedule of games including Blackhawks' prospects...

Latest News

Los Angeles Chargers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Los Angeles Chargers enter the offseason with a new era dawning. After a disappointing season, they landed a marquee hire in Jim Harbaugh, fresh off his national championship win with Michigan. Hailed as the top coaching prospect, Harbaugh brings a...

Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

Rangers vs. Cubs Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Texas Rangers (0-0) begin their 2024 season with a home game against the Chicago Cubs (0-0) on Thursday, with first pitch at 7:35 PM ET.The Rangers will give the nod to Nathan Eovaldi versus the Cubs and Justin Steele.Rangers...

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – March 28, 2024

The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks take the court for one of two exciting matchups on the NBA slate today.Looking for NBA player prop bets for today's games? This article includes NBA player props for every matchup, so take...

UNC vs Alabama Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

We have a great matchup in the Sweet 16 between (1) North Carolina and (4) Alabama. Let's break down the odds, ATS records, and more for UNC vs Alabama as March Madness continues. Read More: Today's schedule and upset picks...

Seattle Seahawks Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Seattle Seahawks turn the page on a historic era as they enter the 2024 season without Pete Carroll at the helm for the first time since 2010. Carroll's impact on the franchise is undeniable, crafting a period of sustained...

Who Is In The Sweet 16? Updated Bracket, Odds to Win, and More

It has been a great March Madness so far and we have more great matchups in the Sweet 16. Check out what teams are in the Sweet 16, odds, and more as the college basketball season rolls on. Latest March...

The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

Today’s March Madness Schedule: Updated Bracket, TV Channels for Every Game

The Sweet 16 is here as March Madness brings us some great matchups tonight! Check out today's March Madness schedule along with game times, TV channels, and more as the college basketball season's biggest games continue. The Sweet 16 Begins...

2024 MLB Mock Draft: Opening Day Mock Draft Projections

Happy Opening Day! As the new baseball season begins, and hope is present among most fanbases, why not take a look at a new 2024 MLB Mock Draft? Various mock drafts meticulously analyze potential picks, emphasizing the abundance of talent...

more blackhawks news