Things are feeling different for the Blackhawks after coaching change

There’s a new bench boss in Chicago, and the vibe around the Blackhawks is rapidly changing.

Anders Sorensen took over for Luke Richardson on Dec.5, and while there’s certainly going to be a learning curve with someone new at the helm, Sorensen has the Blackhawks playing a more competitive brand of hockey. Chicago has won two straight games and Sorensen has done a great job to find ways to spark the offence, and begin to change the culture of the team.

While the Blackhawks are still among the bottom of the standings in the Western Conference, it does feel like their outlook on this season, and the near future has changed in much more a positive manner.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Frank Seravalli discussed Sorensen’s impact so far on his new team.

Yaremchuk: Frank, you were out in Chicago, another team that made a coaching change not that long ago. Anders Sorensen up front Rockford (AHL), takes over behind the bench in Chicago. So, I guess since you were boots on the ground there for a day, are the vibes different in Chicago? Anything changed?

Seravalli: Totally different vibe. The first thing I noticed was at the morning skate, and I know our coach Jon Goyens will appreciate this, they just had a totally different feel. Slamming their sticks on the ice and on the boards, chirping guys, one guy screwed up the drill and everyone was laughing.

I was around the team a bit with Luke Richardson, and everyone like Luke Richardson to be honest, it was just that there wasn’t even a seriousness to what they were doing, it was just monotoned. And, one other thing that I’ve really noticed is every part of their morning skate, and practices because they’re so short, they have an intentionality and a detail to them. It’s not just been – ok, we’re going to go out and work on this, it’s been – here’s the film, and here’s why, and here’s what we’re going to do in practice and attack this part of our game where we have an inefficiency.

I think the younger guys on that team really appreciate it, Sorensen’s been way more communicative behind the bench, and you’re also seeing Connor Bedard get his swagger back.

For more on the Blackhawks’ new vibe, and all the very latest from around the NHL, watch the full episode here.