{"id":528403,"date":"2026-03-17T07:57:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T07:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/528403\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T07:57:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T07:57:12","slug":"how-artyom-levshunov-has-improved-his-defensive-play-along-with-the-blackhawks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/528403\/","title":{"rendered":"How Artyom Levshunov has improved his defensive play along with the Blackhawks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although Jeff Blashill was obviously displeased with the Blackhawks<\/a>\u2019 overall performance Saturday in a 4-0 loss to the Golden Knights, the coach was pleased with one player: Artyom Levshunov.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Arty played probably his best game of the year, certainly from the defensive and physicality side,\u201d Blashill said Monday, noting Levshunov\u2019s best offensive game probably came Dec. 30 against the Islanders.<\/p>\n

During practice, Blashill moved Levshunov up to the top pairing alongside Alex Vlasic and moved Louis Crevier, who struggled Saturday, down to the third pairing. That\u2019s likely how the Hawks will line up Tuesday against the Wild.<\/p>\n

The fact Levshunov has restored Blashill\u2019s trust and climbed the lineup this quickly since the Olympic break is notable, considering the much-scrutinized Belarusian entered the break exiled from the lineup for a foundational reset<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He certainly has looked steadier over the past few weeks. It was unfortunate that his third-period goal Saturday<\/a> off a slap-shot bomb was overturned upon review, because he deserved that reward.<\/p>\n

Even though the Hawks still have been outscored 10-3 during his five-on-five ice time since the Olympics, most of those goals against haven\u2019t been his fault. His positioning has been sounder; his puck management has been safer.<\/p>\n

“[I\u2019m] feeling better, for sure. Feeling improvement in my game,\u201d Levshunov said Monday. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve improved more my defensive side. Not only me \u2014 our team [has] started to play better defense than before. For me as a defenseman, the most important thing is to play good, hard defense, [be] physical, use my body and skate, skate, skate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Analytically, the Hawks\u2019 five-on-five team defense ranks an impressive 12th in the NHL since the Olympics, allowing 2.61 expected goals against per 60 minutes \u2014 and Levshunov, at 2.55, is better than the team average.<\/p>\n

The problem is the Hawks have generated the fewest expected goals for (1.92 per 60 minutes) during that span, but that\u2019s hardly surprising given their current forward lineup.<\/p>\n

Levshunov has also taken on penalty-killing duties since Connor Murphy\u2019s departure. Blashill said Levshunov is still \u201clearning how to gap in the neutral zone\u201d on the penalty kill, but he believes his good instincts in chaos can be particularly advantageous shorthanded.<\/p>\n

Jeff Blashill mentioned this goal-saving play Saturday in Vegas as an example of Artyom Levshunov\u2019s ability to make smart instinctive reads in chaotic situations: pic.twitter.com\/OVPxMJnHRe<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ben Pope\u2019s Video Clips (@BenPopeCSTclips) March 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

That\u2019s part of the Hawks\u2019 general focus on Levshunov\u2019s defensive play of late. Around Christmastime, they were pushing him more offensively, and they perhaps pushed too far in that direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want him to reach his offensive ceiling, but it can\u2019t be at the sacrifice of defense,\u201d Blashill said March 1. \u201cArty may became an offensive player. He might be. But I think he\u2019s going to be a really good player no matter what because he\u2019s really strong [and] he\u2019s going to be able to defend really well.\u201d<\/p>\n

That afternoon in Utah, Blashill went on to compare Levshunov to Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, another top-10 pick whom he coached as a rookie in 2021-22.<\/p>\n

Seider\u2019s 50 points that season still stand as his career high, but defensive growth since then has transformed him into a top-20 defenseman in the league.<\/p>\n

Levshunov admitted Monday he sees \u201csome similarities\u201d between himself and Seider. But in a clear sign that his quiet self-confidence has returned, he didn\u2019t want to narrow down his potential too much.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to be myself,\u201d Levshunov said. \u201cI want to be even better [than Seider]. Why not? It\u2019s more interesting to be better than others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a lot of opportunities and possibilities, and it\u2019s all about work and desire to be better every day and be the best in the future. That\u2019s my opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Note: Hawks forward prospect Sacha Boisvert signed his three-year NHL entry-level contract Monday, turning pro as expected after his tumultuous sophomore year at Boston University ended Saturday. Boisvert can\u2019t begin practicing until his U.S. work visa gets approved, which could take a few days.<\/p>\n

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\"Blackhawks<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly explains why the Hawks were picked for the trip, why the league is focusing its European strategy on Germany and more.<\/p>\n

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\"Connor<\/p>\n

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The Hawks\u2019 streak of keeping games close ended Saturday in a 4-0 defeat.<\/p>\n

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Hawks GM Kyle Davidson said he\u2019s \u201calways trying\u201d to acquire \u201creally good young players,\u201d and the Hawks have enough assets to outbid most teams in the trade market. But would they be willing to pay the high price for one of those star forwards?<\/p>\n

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