In a somewhat unconventional approach, the Chicago Blackhawks have opted to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen in several games early in the 2025-26 season. This strategic decision by new head coach Jeff Blashill has sparked considerable discussion among hockey fans and analysts alike. The Blackhawks have used this lineup in three of their first five games. Let's delve into the reasoning behind this strategy and its potential impact on the team.
Balancing Ice Time and Defensive Needs
Blashill's primary motivation appears to be ensuring that all available defensemen see playing time. In the Blackhawks' second game of the season, an overtime loss to the Boston Bruins, the coach emphasized his desire to integrate different players into the lineup. This approach aims to prevent players from sitting out multiple consecutive games.
Furthermore, deploying seven defensemen can help distribute minutes more evenly, particularly on the right side. This can be especially beneficial for managing the workload of players like Connor Murphy and Louis Crevier. According to Blashill, using this lineup can help raise Crevier's minutes.
Potential Benefits of an Unconventional Lineup
While unusual, the 11F/7D setup offers some potential advantages. It allows for greater flexibility in managing player fatigue and distributing ice time, especially among the defensive corps. The Blackhawks have a number of promising defensemen, including Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser, and Artyom Levshunov.
An 11/7 alignment can prolong careers by potentially creating specialist roles on teams. It could decrease injuries and physical strain on players by decreasing minutes, potentially increasing the pace of games slightly. It also provides depth in case of injury during the game.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential upsides, this strategy is not without its challenges. Dressing only 11 forwards can disrupt line combinations and potentially impact offensive chemistry. It also places added pressure on the forwards to cover more ice and maintain consistent energy levels throughout the game.
Historically, teams have been hesitant to embrace the 11/7 formation consistently, perhaps due to concerns about forward depth or the perceived disruption to offensive flow. However, in situations where a team faces a shortage of forwards due to injury or other circumstances, it can be a viable option.
Blackhawks' Current Situation
The Blackhawks' decision to utilize this unconventional lineup seems to be influenced by a combination of factors, including player availability and a desire to evaluate different defensive pairings. With Nick Foligno on leave and Landon Slaggert injured, the forward ranks are somewhat depleted. Lukas Reichel is expected to replace Foligno in the lineup.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to observe whether the Blackhawks continue to deploy the 11F/7D formation and whether it ultimately contributes to their success. The coaching staff will need to carefully monitor the team's performance and make adjustments as needed to optimize the lineup for each game.
