Blackhawks Field Undersized Top Line To Find Success
Chicago is prioritizing speed and skill over size with a new trio featuring Roman Kantserov, Connor Bedard, and Patrick Kane.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hockey
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The Chicago Blackhawks are finding success with a top line composed of three players under 5-foot-11. The trio has recorded two goals and thirteen scoring chances at five-on-five over their first three games together.
Why it matters
The coaching staff is shifting its strategy to emphasize speed and puck protection rather than physical height. This approach leans on creative playmaking to navigate defensive zones against larger opponents.
The unit, featuring players standing between 5-9 and 5-10, has maintained a 2-1 goal differential across three games. The line has generated 13 scoring chances at five-on-five in that span.
The players
Roman Kantserov
He is an NHL forward measuring 5-9 who currently features on the Blackhawks top line.
Connor Bedard
He is an NHL forward measuring 5-10 and is a centerpiece of the Chicago roster.
Patrick Kane
He is an veteran NHL forward measuring 5-10 who has played over 1,300 games and won three Stanley Cups.
Alex DeBrincat
He is an NHL player measuring 5-8 who was selected 39th overall in the 2016 draft.
Kirill Kaprizov
He is an NHL forward measuring 5-10 known for his offensive production.
The details
By utilizing speed and technical skill, the unit competes effectively against taller skaters in the league. The strategy mirrors the success of other undersized stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes, who also utilize quickness to excel.
Timeline
Patrick Kane was drafted into the NHL in 2007.
Alex DeBrincat was drafted 39th overall in 2016.
Kantserov scored a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins last Tuesday.
Bedard drew a penalty against the Dallas Stars last Saturday.
The Blackhawks evaluated their current undersized top line in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team's current personnel choices follow a pattern set by the historical success of undersized NHL players like Alex DeBrincat and Quinn Hughes. This deployment signals a departure from traditional size-based roster construction in the modern NHL.
Fans should monitor the line's production in five-on-five situations as a key indicator of continued offensive efficiency. The trio’s ability to draw penalties, as seen against Dallas, remains a critical factor in their goal-scoring potential.
The takeaway
Chicago is betting that high-end quickness and creativity can overcome traditional size disadvantages in modern professional hockey. Implementing such a lineup requires precise puck control and high-speed decision-making to avoid defensive physical mismatches.
Further reading
For more on the current team strategy, visit Chicago Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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