Blackhawks Overhaul Struggling Powerplay to Save Season

Head coach Jeff Blashill demands more chaos and motion to break the cycle of a dismal 19.1% powerplay success rate.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Chicago Blackhawks are desperate to fix their broken powerplay that is dragging down their season and playoff hopes. Head coach Jeff Blashill is implementing a fundamental shift in their powerplay strategy, demanding more player movement, effort in the dirty areas, and a focus on retrieving loose pucks to extend offensive zone time. The team's powerplay ranks 20th in the league at just 19.1% success, and Blashill is tired of the endless excuses from his underperforming stars.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks' struggling powerplay is choking the life out of their entire roster and killing any realistic playoff hopes. Fixing this issue is crucial if they want to salvage their season and avoid a potential roster overhaul by the front office.

The details

Blashill is forcing the Blackhawks to fundamentally change their powerplay approach, moving away from a static setup passing the puck around the perimeter. He is demanding more chaos, motion, and effort from his players to retrieve loose pucks and extend offensive zone time. Top scorers like Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi can't carry the load alone, and the depth players have been "asleep at the wheel", robbing the team of crucial points.

  • The Blackhawks' powerplay sits at a miserable 19.1% success rate through the middle of the schedule.

The players

Jeff Blashill

The head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks who is implementing a fundamental overhaul of the team's struggling powerplay.

Connor Bedard

The Blackhawks' young star who leads the team with 15 powerplay points, but can't win all the physical battles alone.

Tyler Bertuzzi

The Blackhawks' leading powerplay goal scorer with 9 goals, who routinely crashes the net but needs more support from his teammates.

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What they’re saying

“We must fundamentally change our approach to player movement. I refuse to watch them pass the puck around the perimeter without an actual purpose.”

— Jeff Blashill, Head Coach (hawksinsider.com)

What’s next

The Blackhawks will look to implement Blashill's new powerplay strategy in their next game, as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' struggles on the powerplay have become an existential threat to their season, forcing the coaching staff to make drastic changes to their approach. If the team can't fix this issue, it could lead to a complete roster overhaul by the front office.