Steve Kwiatkowski

18 Mar 2025

Figured I’d start a thread with hockey related books that I’ve read. I’ll be adding to this list periodically. Anything from tactics to history stuff. Pinning this to my profile for those that care.

eatthehatchet-hockey.comBreaking Down Frank Nazar’s LineBreaking down Frank Nazar's line in the Blackhawks win against the Winnipeg Jets.

Some zone tracking data and clips from Nazar’s line against the Jets. Had to rush a little bit through this one, but still had fun breaking this line down. #Blackhawks eatthehatchet-hockey.com/frank-nazar-...

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

secondcityhockey.comBlackhawks vs. Jets, NHL October 15, 2026: Preview, how to watch, lineupsA few Central Division foes are on their way to the UC over the next handful of nights.

PREVIEW: The Blackhawks are back at the UC again this evening but there's yet another adjustment to the lineup expected when they take on the Jets tonight

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

secondcityhockey.comNothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now: Blackhawks 5, Penguins 3A pair of points earned with several kids standing out along the way.

RECAP: Two wins on the season now with two goals from two players, one of them a new kid and the other an old(?) kid.

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

Scott Kennedy

@scotttkennedy.bsky.social

Early this season the Hawks were always in a line blender, so it wasn't clear who was getting the top opponent assignment. But for the last three games it's been going to the Frondell line. Some good, some bad, but at his age, this is very encouraging.

Scott Kennedy@scotttkennedy.bsky.social

When the Hawks struggled in Mar/Apr I thought an underappreciated reason was they had traded away their shutdown centerman. I wrote up their options going forward and it came out LONG, long. It's probably a 25-30 min read. Here's the beginning/end, you can decide if you want to read the middle.

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

Scott Kennedy

@scotttkennedy.bsky.social

That goal was exactly what we were talking about when we wrote up Kantserov at the bumper on the power play with Bedard on the left.

Scott Kennedy@scotttkennedy.bsky.social

When @precomped.bsky.social would post Kantserov highlights this season, we kept noticing how well he'd fit in the bumper on the Hawks power play, so I finally sat down and wrote it up. The folks at @secondcityhockey.bsky.social were kind enough to publish it. (I made diagrams!)

eatthehatchet-hockey.comThe Return of Bedard: Blackhawks vs. PenguinsAnalyzing Bedard's return in the Blackhawks 5-3 win over the Penguins.

Did some more zone tracking and added unblocked shot attempts to the data. Full table is at the end of the article. Still needs some refinement but this has been a really fun way to watch the games. #Blackhawks eatthehatchet-hockey.com/blackhawks-p...

secondcityhockey.comWhy the Blackhawks’ offensive zone struggles go beyond zone exitsThe offensive side of the ice has been a sore spot for Chicago this season, too.

Broke down some clips from the Hurricanes game to talk about the #Blackhawks offense. www.secondcityhockey.com/chicago-blac...

A good offensive zone entry. The Hawks spread Carolina's defense, and a point shot rebounds where there's Kantserov for a opportunity.

Here's a good example of the Hawks getting OZ possession but not getting to the slot for meaningful chances. Also, a lot more flip passes in last night's game.

eatthehatchet-hockey.comBlackhawks vs. Hurricanes Breakdown: Film & Zone Entry TrackingBreaking down film and zone entries in the Blackhawks 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Definitely still a lot to refine in the zone tracking process, but did it again for last nights game. Also captured some plays. #Blackhawks eatthehatchet-hockey.com/blackhawks-h...

eatthehatchet-hockey.comTracking Zone Entries: Why the Blackhawks Controlled Possession But Lost 4-1Chicago controlled possession against the Islanders, but micro-stats tell a different story.

Since I watch replays of most Blackhawks games, I decided to take it a step further and track zone entries. I wrote about my findings in my personal blog. Some people liked it so I’m sharing it. Feel free to check it out! eatthehatchet-hockey.com/blackhawks-i...

Will be doing the same for tonight’s game, will post that either tomorrow or Monday.

secondcityhockey.comAn early breakdown of what Artyom Levshunov has put on film this seasonA closer look at Levshunov’s start to the 2026-27 season.

A very early look at Levshunov. www.secondcityhockey.com/chicago-blac...

Levshunov with a zone entry against Buffalo.

Here, Levshunov pinches in the OZ, the Hawks lose possession, but he's still able to get back and involved in the DZ.

Not a good breakout attempt from Levshunov.

Some Levshunov skating propaganda.

Levshunov (top left on your screen) keeps the puck in for continued offensive zone time.

A lot to like before Levshunov's nice play that led to Frondell's goal.

Sorry in advance for the Levshunov propaganda. Posting clips for an upcoming article.

secondcityhockey.comA tactical breakdown of the Blackhawks’ struggles on the forecheck and breakoutAnalyzing two areas where Chicago struggled mightily during the first three games of the season (and last season, too).

All those clips I posted earlier got dissected in this article. @secondcityhockey.bsky.social www.secondcityhockey.com/chicago-blac...

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

Plenty of candidates for areas on the ice where the Blackhawks struggled last week. We picked two of the bigger ones for a little film/tactial breakdown: www.secondcityhockey.com/chicago-blac...

Two good examples of a 1-2-2 forecheck from Utah.

Another botched forecheck with no support from the F3.

Botched forecheck with poor decision making on behalf of the F3.

Ryan Greene with a responsible play as the F3 for sustained Blackhawks OZ possession.

Blackhawks shift in the DZ.

Blackhawks running a three-high with a failed entry.

Blackhawks breakout attempt.

Been back writing some hockey stuff for the season! Just giving everyone a friendly warning that I'll be sharing some Blackhawks clips that contain graphic images and some really bad hockey. You've been warned.

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

secondcityhockey.comHow can Bedard find the next steps towards realizing his superstar potential?And maybe the answer isn’t within Bedard alone.

1 May

We saw a few months of the superstar version of Bedard early this season. How do the Hawks unlock that version of him for an entire season? We looked into that:

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

secondcityhockey.comJoin the 2026 Second City Hockey Bracket Challenge!Make your picks!

17 Apr

April is for brackets, too. Join our playoff bracket league!

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted

secondcityhockey.comLive updates from the Blackhawks’ end-of-season media availabilityA final round of quotes and comments from the 2025-26 Blackhawks.

16 Apr

The Blackhawks are having their final media availability of the season today. Follow along with our live blog here!

15 Apr

I'm already pissed off about the Hawks and it's not even close to puck drop.

Steve Kwiatkowski reposted