Blackhawks Coach Defends Burakovsky's Top-Line Role Amid Struggles

Blashill cites analytics, player styles in sticking with Burakovsky-Bedard pairing despite fan frustration

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:48am

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Despite the Chicago Blackhawks showing signs of improvement under first-year coach Jeff Blashill, the coach's unwavering commitment to struggling forward André Burakovsky on the top line alongside star Connor Bedard has sparked increasing scrutiny from a frustrated fan base. Blashill defends his decision by citing the team's internal analytics, which suggest Burakovsky continues to generate scoring chances, though publicly available data paints a different picture. The coach also explains his broader philosophy of prioritizing players who can thrive in playoff-caliber games over those who simply inflate stats against weaker competition.

Why it matters

Blashill's handling of the Burakovsky-Bedard pairing has become a divisive issue for Blackhawks fans, who are eager to see the team take the next step in its rebuild. The coach's commitment to analytics-driven decisions over immediate on-ice results has raised questions about his approach and the disconnect between internal and external data.

The details

Since Christmas, Burakovsky has only two goals in 33 games, and just one in his last 25. This has sparked debate among fans, visible in online forums and at games at the United Center. Blashill defends his decision by citing the team's internal analytics, which suggest Burakovsky continues to generate scoring chances and the Blackhawks maintain favorable possession metrics with him on the ice. However, publicly available data from Natural Stat Trick paints a different picture, showing the Blackhawks have been out-chanced 73-56 with Burakovsky on the ice at five-on-five since the Olympic break, and significantly outmatched in high-danger chances (31-19).

  • Since Christmas, Burakovsky has only two goals in 33 games.
  • Burakovsky has just one goal in his last 25 games.

The players

Jeff Blashill

The first-year head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, who previously spent seven seasons as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.

André Burakovsky

A forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who has struggled to produce, with only two goals since Christmas and one in his last 25 games.

Connor Bedard

A star forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who has been paired with Burakovsky on the top line.

Ryan Donato

A Blackhawks forward who had a career year last season playing alongside Bedard, but has been relegated to the bottom six this season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges coaches face in balancing analytics-driven decisions with on-ice results, as well as the importance of clear communication with a passionate fan base during a rebuilding process.