Why Nick Schmaltz could be Blackhawks' second-line center

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Nick Schmaltz centered Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane at Saturday’s scrimmage, scoring the team’s first goal and earning the approval of coach Joel Quenneville.

So is there a possibility Schmaltz’s shot at center comes on that second line?

“Could happen,” Quenneville said with a grin.

Whether you’re fluent in Q-speak or not, that one’s pretty clear. Schmaltz is off to a good start, has some experience under his belt at that spot from last season and may get more of a chance there now.

All of this is relative, of course. There’s a lot of time between now and October but Quenneville has liked what he’s seen with Kane and Schmaltz for two consecutive days. Schmaltz, who was also considered a left-wing option on that second line — at least before the Blackhawks traded to get Sharp back — skated with Kane some this summer.

“I think it’s just getting our timing down. We built some chemistry over the summer and I think our games match each other pretty well,” Schmaltz said. “We both like to find each other and make plays, so just getting that chemistry and that timing down, I think will lead to more success.”

Again, a concern at center with Schmaltz — actually, overall with this team past Jonathan Toews — is faceoffs. It’s something Schmaltz will continue to work on but if this combo gets any time together, Sharp could always be an option in the circle, too.

Quenneville said Schmaltz’s improved strength around the puck is noticeable, “but one of his abilities is coming up with loose pucks and getting it out there and making a neat play, which is good for us.

“Having the puck cleanly exiting our zone is a good thing. Offensively, that’s his strength and that’s where his natural ability is, but he’ll add to that part of his game, like faceoffs, and getting stronger is something that’s noticeable last year to this year,” Quenneville continued. “It seems like he’s stronger around the puck and in and around those tight areas.”

Schmaltz got his first chance at second-line center when Artem Anisimov was injured last season. Even if Anisimov starts as the third-line center, nothing is set in stone; nothing ever is with the Blackhawks lines. But Schmaltz has shown enough improvement in the offseason is building chemistry with Kane and appears to be getting the second-line opportunity first.

“Arty’s proven he can play in his own end, around the net, in the offensive zone as well. Schmaltzy has the puck a lot more which is nice as well. It’s a good situation on a need basis or on performance basis,” Quenneville said. “That’ll sort itself out.”

LEGENDARY FINISH

Denis Savard and Steve Larmer joined current Blackhawks to wrap up Saturday’s scrimmage. Players enjoyed the opportunity to skate with the team’s legends.

“Yeah it’s really special,” Vinnie Hinostroza said. “Growing up in Chicago, you know who those guys are. Growing up you hear your parents, grandparents talking about them, and the last few years I’ve gotten to know Savvy pretty well. So skating with them was really special. It was awesome to see those guys come out.”

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