The 2nd Line

The 2nd line this season has been really productive, with Kane scoring one goal and a couple of assist, while Shaw scored two goals and also earned a couple of assist. Saad has not scored yet this season, but he does have three assist to add to the productivity.

Now I must ask, can this line remain productive for the whole season? Saad seems to have the potential to be a superstar, he is one of the fastest players on the team and he is very decisive on the offensive end. However, Shaw does not seem to fit as a superstar because of this 5'10", 180 lb frame. Even though Shaw has the proven statistics to make the case, what Shaw is really known for is being quite the instigator, always finding ways to annoy players, all to his enjoyment.

Brad Richards

Overall, Shaw must find a way to be consistently productive, Brad Richards, who was brought in during the off-season to be the center for the 2nd line, has been in for the 3rd line instead and it seems that Shaw is the better man for the 2nd line job. The best alternative seems to be a player the Blackhawks currently have in the AHL, playing for Rockford. Blackhawks will need to wait at least half of the season before trying to call him up, so right now Shaw is the man for the 2nd line job.