Frequently Asked Questions
How did Artem Anisimov get injured and how long will he be out?
Anisimov was injured after taking a hit from behind by Alex Radulov that sent him awkwardly into the boards in the closing seconds of the first period against Montreal. He suffered an unspecified left leg injury and reports indicate he may be unavailable for the remainder of the Blackhawks' stretch run.
Who is replacing Anisimov at center for the Blackhawks?
Nick Schmaltz will fill Anisimov's void at second line center. The 21-year-old rookie has been playing wing on Toews' line but has only played center sporadically through his first 48 NHL games.
What are Schmaltz's faceoff numbers and how bad is the Blackhawks' center depth?
Schmaltz has struggled at faceoffs, winning just 2 of 14 draws against Montreal and posting a 30.1% faceoff win percentage on the season. Aside from Jonathan Toews, no other Blackhawks center has a faceoff win percentage above 50%.
How have Schmaltz, Kane, and Panarin performed together when they've played as a line?
Despite Schmaltz's faceoff struggles, the trio has shown moments of brilliance and dominated possession while producing numerous grade-A scoring chances. The line's possession numbers and scoring opportunities have been impressive even with Schmaltz's issues at the dot.
What was Anisimov's production before getting injured?
Anisimov had 416 faceoff wins, 45 points, and averaged 17:15 of ice time while effectively centering the line between Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane. Despite a 45.1% faceoff win percentage, he was the Blackhawks' most effective centerman besides Toews.