Yahoo Sports Blackhawks' Mikheyev Has Quietly Had Solid Start
Ilya Mikheyev is having a good start to his first season with the Chicago Blackhawks. At first glance, it may not seem that way as he has just one goal and two points in 13 games, but he is doing everything else very well and head coach Luke Richardson is impressed.
Richardson said, "He's an aggressive guy out there at times and very intense...I love the competitive nature and he's starting to produce a little bit of offense as well as being really responsible defensively." Both of Mikheyev's points have come in the last four games and the team has won three of those games to pull out of the bottom of the league.
Mikheyev has always been impressive defensively whether his offense is there or not. That is what got him paid and that is why three different teams have wanted him in the lineup every night in his career thus far. With his offense where it is right now, he is in a great spot on the third line where he can impact the game defensively alongside another very strong two-way forward, Jason Dickinson.
When discussing the line of Mikheyev, Dickinson, and Nick Foligno, Richardson noted, "The three of them have played well together and apart." He also jokes about their nicknames and calling for lines and the three getting confused at times. This line, which hasn't been together all season because losing leads to lineup changes, is much more focused on shutting down opponents.
What is interesting is that Mikheyev has been able to produce like a top-6 player in the past while playing a strong defensive game. He put up 21 goals and 32 points in 53 games in 2021-22. His linemate Dickinson, while having just one goal and four points, scored 22 goals last season as well.
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When watching Mikheyev, one thing that is easy to notice is his great skating. Richardson also explained that, "(Mikheyev) has been good and I think his speed has really helped the team. He's helping on the penalty kill and doing a really good job against top lines." When at home, Chicago can line match and Mikheyev's line can have a bigger impact on the game and free up the scoring top two lines.
After having 61 minutes on the penalty kill last season with the Vancouver Canucks, Mikheyev already has 27 minutes in just 13 games. His offensive game can still get back to where it even was last season with 11 goals and 31 points and that would be great for the Blackhawks.
Mikheyev has his defensive game locked down and isn't going to slip in that regard. Now that he has started getting on the scoresheet a bit more, it's no wonder Chicago is improving quickly.
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