BLOG: Reichel Joins Top Power Play Unit in Practice 

In the Chicago Blackhawks’ practice on Wednesday afternoon, Lukas Reichel made his appearance on the team’s first power play unit in the bumper position. 

The forward joined alongside Connor Bedard, Taylor Hall, Corey Perry and Seth Jones as a first look before the team kicks off three games this upcoming weekend. While he played some minutes on the team’s second unit, the promotion comes with a new opportunity to help utilize his skills but also a chance to develop some new ones.

“As a bumper, you have to get open and help your teammates out if they're in trouble,” Reichel said. “I think you got to look where the other team is. So it just like skating around and trying to get open.” 

Head coach Luke Richardson placed the 21 year old on the top unit as a way to try to spark some offensive production for the young forward. In 13 games this season, Reichel produced two assists.

Along with more shots on goals, he can also add his speed to bring the team into the offensive zone possession and help create some plays within the middle spot as a bumper. 

“I think we need more help in that middle spot where we have a hard time getting set up when teams pressure so hard off faceoffs and entries that I think him getting side to side, there'll be a good spot for him, “Richardson said. 

Despite not seeing many points, Reichel feels like he developed a stronger defensive side to his game with puck possession. 

Before the start of practice, Reichel worked with Brian Keane, Blackhawks director of skill development, to continue to build off the progress they made. One of the bigger developments he made included using his body within the corners throughout each game. 

“In the corners, I think I still can play more my body, but it's gotten better,” Reichel said. “When get the puck, give it a little bump, and protect the puck, so that's why you have to work on that in every game. That helped me out a lot.”

Not only did he see a new look on the power play, he also worked with a new teammate on his line with Taylor Hall. With the unknown status of Andreas Athanasiou, Richardson placed the two together with the use of their speed. 

However, Hall will not play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, Reichel knows that if they do play together that it will be an adjustment. 

“He's really fast, so just try to give him time and space and when he’s coming fast from the outside, so we'll see how it works,” Reichel said.