[Ben Pope] Kevin Korchinski has had a chaotic February, with some good games and some disastrous games. The Blackhawks have identified a few recurring issues, but by dealing with them now, Korchinski will know better in future seasons.
Kevin Korchinski has had a chaotic February, with some good games and some disastrous games.
The Blackhawks have identified a few recurring issues, but by dealing with them now, Korchinski will know better in future seasons.
New story: https://t.co/9PaudnhFPR
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 26, 2024
by mcosta1973
6 Comments
The one easy fix he can make is no more blind passes into his own crease from behind the net.
Was really to be expected this year. If he was eligible to play in Rockford he would’ve played a full year there like Nolan Allan. D development can take a few years anyways. He’s only 19 and flashes some good stuff. Just makes mental errors for the most part which are entirely correctable.
That’s good but honestly most of his problems aren’t really inherently his problems. A lot of his issues stem from covering for linemates who jump out of position. We’ll, except the passes in front of the net, but some confidence to carry it or throw it high and out to safety come with experience. Plus, the powerplay he runs point on is not good.
Get the man on our first powerplay and put him back with Jones, or with Vlasic so he can jump in on offence more and or force Jones into a more defensive role like he did well with early in the year.
Got to also admire this kids mental strength after losing his dad this year. Can’t imagine what he’s gone through as such a young age.
He’s going to be a beauty. Give him time. Remember the boneheaded shit Duncs used to do in his early years?
That’s what this season is for – getting him into the NHL and acclimated to the pace of play as early as possible.
Would have been nice to get him into the AHL but it is what it is, with the trade off being top four minutes in Chicago and starting his career with Bedard vs. going back to the WHL where he is clearly overqualified, they easily made the correct choice by keeping him up with us.
What’s the general rule of thumb, defensemen need like 200 NHL games of experience before they really start figuring out the league? Might as well start that clock now and get him rolling, especially with him starting at such a low point being saddled with Zaitsev/Megna/sometimes Murphy and a weak forward group; if he can figure out this squad and still show promise it will only get easier as the roster improves and he grows himself.
Definitely has a *lot* to work on still but for a 19-year-old on a dogshit team while also dealing with personal losses outside the rink that impacted him? Can’t really ask more from the kid so far and I’m very excited to see how he continues to grow alongside Bedard, Vlasic, Nazar, Moore, etc.
Here’s to a strong season finish!