Blackhawks' Levshunov Transforms into Aggressive 'Rover'

Artyom Levshunov, initially hesitant, has embraced a more aggressive offensive role for the Chicago Blackhawks, surprising many with his recent performances. Coach Jeff Blashill has consistently urged Levshunov to attack the game more, even comparing his potential to elite defensemen who effectively join the rush and recover defensively, a style Blashill described as being a 'rover.' Levshunov's improved play includes a significant increase in offensive zone activity, leading to more shot attempts and scoring chances.

The Blackhawks' season is at a critical juncture, positioned with a points percentage above last season's but still near the league's bottom. Despite their standing, they remain within striking distance of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, setting up an intriguing post-Olympic break sprint. Coach Blashill emphasizes ongoing progress, noting better habits and fundamental defensive play compared to the season's start.

Beyond Levshunov's development, other observations include the emergence of Alex Vlasic and Louis Crevier as a strong shutdown pairing, and Crevier's unexpected rise as a key defenseman with a powerful shot. Tyler Bertuzzi is exceeding expectations with his goal-scoring, and Ilya Mikheyev is showing signs of offensive improvement, with potential for a contract extension. The team is also drawing strong attendance, and prospects like Roman Kantserov are showing significant promise.