The Blackhawks know they’ve found a gem in Czech wing Dominik Kubalik, but he has proved to need a little more refining than initially thought.
After a strong start to his NHL career, including scoring the Hawks’ first home goal this season, Kubalik’s performance has regressed lately.
In response, he was a healthy scratch for the first time in 15 games Thursday against the Canucks, with Zack Smith drawing in instead.
‘‘We think his play’s dropped off a little bit,’’ coach Jeremy Colliton said. ‘‘We want to get him back to where he was playing earlier. Sometimes rest and some feedback can do that.’’
Kubalik has three goals, three assists and 37 shots on goal in 14 games, but he struggled on the Hawks’ road trip to California. He was on the ice for 26 opposing scoring chances to only 10 for the Hawks.
A day off likely will help him from an endurance standpoint, too. Kubalik never has played more than 51 games in a season since turning pro because of the shorter schedules of the Czech and Swiss leagues. Eighty-two this season would have been a lot to ask.
‘‘When he’s skating both with and without the puck, he’s tremendously effective for us,’’ Colliton said. ‘‘So that’s what we’re looking for.’’
Gustafsson back in big role
Just three games after being scratched against the Kings, Erik Gustafsson has risen to the Hawks’ top defensive pairing once again.
Gustafsson was paired with Duncan Keith on Thursday, with rookie Adam Boqvist sliding down to the third pairing with Olli Maatta. Gustafsson’s promotion came on the heels of playing 21:39 on Tuesday against the Sharks, his most minutes since the second game of the season.
Although his offensive production has been lacking this season, he at least seems to be back in coach Jeremy Colliton’s good graces.
The Hawks will have a tough decision to make with Gustafsson, a pending unrestricted free agent next summer, tradewise as the season progresses.