The Blackhawks are so out of it right now that trades have been the talk of the organization lately, and for good reason. Thanks to how bleak things have been for Chicago so far and how unforeseen it was back in October, it’s easy to say we all overrated them in this rebuild.
Still, it doesn’t mean a few players haven’t flown under the radar, and throughout this long, tedious season, they deserve recognition. One of those players has been through a lot of adversity within the organization, while another two are seasoned veterans who know a thing or two about what it’s like to play on some trying hockey teams.
Arvid Soderblom
One of the Chicago Blackhawks more surprising players, Arvid Soderblom just won’t slow down this season. Okay, maybe that notion is a little premature, as he’s allowed at least three goals in four of his past five games, but we can all agree he’s enjoyed a much-improved campaign.
Plus, it’s not like Soderblom has had it easy, with his last five games heading into Tuesday night coming against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, and twice, the New York Islanders. Not the most pleasant slate of opponents, even if the Hawks snagged a pair of wins with him in the net.
That said, nearing midseason and 11 games later, Soderblom has a 3-7-1 record, a 0.600 quality starts percentage, a 2.76 GAA, and a 0.909 save percentage. Hey, I thought for sure he’d slow down at this point, but it hasn’t been the case.
Ryan Donato
Ryan Donato is another player who’s cooled off somewhat. But a hot start has still put him at No. 2 on the team in points and, through 29 games, in first place as far as goals go with 10. And before you ask, no, Donato’s physical play hasn’t gone to the wayside, as he’s well on track to land over 100 hits if he stays healthy.
Donato’s Corsi For at even strength is also seventh on what is still an ailing Blackhawks team, and his 9.9 on-ice shooting percentage is fourth on the Hawks among forwards who have played at least 29 games.
This has him on the best track of his career. And if Donato can start racking up points again, he’s giving someone a lot of value even if it’s not the Hawks.
Pat Maroon
Pat Maroon is someone whose job was simple this year: Oversee the next step in the team’s rebuild and play roughly 12 minutes per game. He’s done that, and has put up one goal in eight points, and 51 hits so far on the year.
Not bad basic statistics, but here’s something to consider: A 91.3 on-ice save percentage at even strength. The Hawks need all the help they can get defensively, and Maroon is one of a few forwards who have given them that help so far on the season.
As has been the case often throughout the journeyman’s illustrious NHL career, Maroon is someone who just does the dirty work. He doesn’t play for recognition. But when the effort and intensity are there, and when he’s doing his job, Maroon deserves some.
