The Chicago Blackhawks are off to a solid start in 2026, posting a 7-4-1 record since the calendar flipped. But while the wins are coming, the goals aren’t exactly flowing.
This team has only hit the four-goal mark twice in that stretch, and not since a 7-3 rout of the St. Louis Blues back on January 7.
In their last six games, they’ve managed three goals just once. That’s not going to cut it in today’s NHL.
So, head coach Jeff Blashill is shaking things up.
Blashill’s not the type to juggle lines just for the sake of it. He prefers to let chemistry build over time, especially in a season where consistency has been hard to come by.
But with the offense sputtering, he’s had no choice but to tinker. And ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers, he unveiled a fresh set of forward lines that lean heavily on youth - especially in the top six.
Five of the six skaters on the top two lines are 22 or younger. That’s not just a youth movement - it’s a full-on commitment to the next generation.
Bedard Gets a New Running Mate
Connor Bedard, the face of the franchise and centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuild, has mostly skated with veteran Andre Burakovsky when healthy. That pairing stays intact on the top line, but there’s a new name joining them on the wing: Oliver Moore.
Moore, who started the season on the wing, has been playing center since the turn of the year - and thriving. He’s got seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) in 13 games since moving to the middle, using his elite speed to create space and chances. Now, he’s shifting back to the wing, and while that might raise some eyebrows, the logic is clear: get Moore more ice time, and maybe give Bedard the spark he needs.
Because right now, Bedard’s return from a shoulder injury hasn’t exactly lit up the scoresheet. He’s managed just four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in seven games since coming back, and that lone goal was an empty-netter.
He’s gone two straight games without a point. If Moore’s pace and energy can help open things up for Bedard, it’s a gamble worth taking.
Second Line, First Impressions
The second line is even younger - and maybe even more intriguing. Centered by Frank Nazar, it features fellow rookies Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis.
Combined, the trio has only 162 NHL games under their belts. But there’s upside here, no question.
Lardis, a third-round pick who scored a jaw-dropping 71 goals in his final OHL season, hasn’t seen much top-six time in his first NHL stint. But he’s starting to make his presence felt - points in back-to-back games, and three goals in his last nine. He’s a shoot-first winger with a nose for the net, and pairing him with Nazar - who brings speed and vision - could unlock some real chemistry.
Greene, meanwhile, has quietly put together a solid rookie campaign. He’s got 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 51 games, and he’s heating up with five points in his last 10.
But it’s not just the offense - Greene’s been one of Chicago’s steadiest defensive forwards this season. He’s only been on the ice for 34 goals against, and his plus-one rating ranks second on the team among players with at least 30 games.
That kind of two-way responsibility is rare in a rookie, and it could help stabilize what is otherwise a very green second line.
Bertuzzi Drops to the Third Line - But It’s Not a Demotion
With all the youth moving up, someone had to slide down. That someone is Tyler Bertuzzi, the team’s leading goal scorer, who now finds himself on the third line with Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev.
At first glance, it might look like a demotion. But there’s some history here.
Before Nazar returned from injury, Bertuzzi had already spent time with Dickinson and Mikheyev - and the numbers were strong. In just under 39 minutes of even-strength ice time together, the trio outshot opponents 21-10 and held a 23-11 edge in scoring chances.
Their expected goals percentage? A healthy 60.69%.
So while this line might not scream “top six,” it’s proven to be effective. Bertuzzi’s scoring touch, combined with Dickinson’s defensive reliability and Mikheyev’s speed, gives the Blackhawks a third line that can do more than just hold the fort.
What’s Next?
Blashill has shown he’s not afraid to go back to old combinations if the new ones don’t click. So while these lines will get a look against the Panthers, nothing is set in stone.
But the message is clear: the Blackhawks are leaning into their youth. They’re giving their young talent a real chance to grow - not just in sheltered minutes, but in meaningful roles. And with a matchup looming against the league’s gold standard, we’re about to find out how ready this group really is.
Projected Lineup vs. Florida Panthers (Sunday)
Forwards
Moore - Bedard - Burakovsky
Greene - Nazar - Lardis
Bertuzzi - Dickinson - Mikheyev
Donato - Foligno - Slaggert
Defense
Vlasic - Crevier
Kaiser - Levshunov
Grzelcyk - Murphy
Extras: Dach, Lafferty
Puck drops at 6:00 p.m. CT at the United Center. Youth will be served - and tested.