Blackhawks Forward Landon Slaggert Focused on Finishing, Not Just Creating Scoring Chances
Landon Slaggert, the 23-year-old forward for the Blackhawks, has been creating scoring chances left and right, but the issue is, he just can't seem to finish them. It's a trend that's become all too familiar for the young player, who struggled with scoring in his junior season at Notre Dame.
"I think going through adversity is huge," Slaggert said after Friday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Lightning. "I know there's light at the end of the tunnel, but also that you can work and build your game and grow." He finds solace in creating scoring chances, knowing that if he can just find a way to finish them, it'll help his team win.
For Slaggert, finishing is all about confidence and execution. "If I start finishing a few of these off, it'll help the team win," he said. "It's encouraging, more than anything." However, Slaggert acknowledges that scoring isn't his primary role, but having a few goals to his name would definitely make him stand out in a crowded bottom-six role.
The Blackhawks' coaching staff has taken notice of Slaggert's skills and has been using him on the penalty kill. "His speed, his aggression on the ice, it forces a lot of turnovers," teammate Oliver Moore said. Coach Jeff Blashill likes having Slaggert's presence to create disruption on the forecheck.
Despite struggling with finishing, Slaggert is working hard to improve his skills. He's been focusing on tight areas and deception in his shots, and has been practicing game scenarios after practice with Hawks' skills coach Brian Keane. "Then it's just reps," Slaggert said. "So when you do get that opportunity in a game, you're comfortable in those situations and have that confidence."
Slaggert's junior season at Notre Dame is an example of how hard work paid off. After focusing on his scoring touch during the summer after his sophomore year, he led the Irish with 31 points as a senior. Now, Slaggert is looking to replicate that success, not just in college, but in the NHL.
With 19 high-danger scoring chances created in 24 games this season, Slaggert is on pace to be one of the team leaders in that category. He's got the confidence and skills to finish those chances, and with continued hard work, it's only a matter of time before he starts seeing more pucks go into the back of the net.
Landon Slaggert, the 23-year-old forward for the Blackhawks, has been creating scoring chances left and right, but the issue is, he just can't seem to finish them. It's a trend that's become all too familiar for the young player, who struggled with scoring in his junior season at Notre Dame.
"I think going through adversity is huge," Slaggert said after Friday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Lightning. "I know there's light at the end of the tunnel, but also that you can work and build your game and grow." He finds solace in creating scoring chances, knowing that if he can just find a way to finish them, it'll help his team win.
For Slaggert, finishing is all about confidence and execution. "If I start finishing a few of these off, it'll help the team win," he said. "It's encouraging, more than anything." However, Slaggert acknowledges that scoring isn't his primary role, but having a few goals to his name would definitely make him stand out in a crowded bottom-six role.
The Blackhawks' coaching staff has taken notice of Slaggert's skills and has been using him on the penalty kill. "His speed, his aggression on the ice, it forces a lot of turnovers," teammate Oliver Moore said. Coach Jeff Blashill likes having Slaggert's presence to create disruption on the forecheck.
Despite struggling with finishing, Slaggert is working hard to improve his skills. He's been focusing on tight areas and deception in his shots, and has been practicing game scenarios after practice with Hawks' skills coach Brian Keane. "Then it's just reps," Slaggert said. "So when you do get that opportunity in a game, you're comfortable in those situations and have that confidence."
Slaggert's junior season at Notre Dame is an example of how hard work paid off. After focusing on his scoring touch during the summer after his sophomore year, he led the Irish with 31 points as a senior. Now, Slaggert is looking to replicate that success, not just in college, but in the NHL.
With 19 high-danger scoring chances created in 24 games this season, Slaggert is on pace to be one of the team leaders in that category. He's got the confidence and skills to finish those chances, and with continued hard work, it's only a matter of time before he starts seeing more pucks go into the back of the net.
! The kid is creating scoring chances left and right but can't seem to finish them? It's like, come on Lando, you've got this! You're an elite player with all the skills needed to make it happen. I remember when he was at Notre Dame, he totally turned his game around after putting in the work over the summer 
. He's always been a high-danger scorer but now it's like he's stuck on a plateau. The Blackhawks coaching staff knows what they're doing though, using him on penalty kill and all that. It's like, why not give the guy more chances to succeed? 
I just need Slaggert to break out of this slump ASAP or it's gonna be hard for me to sleep at night 
...
- all ups and downs! On one hand, I think it's awesome that he's creating those scoring chances left and right, 19 high-danger chances in just 24 games? That's crazy! He's got the skills, for sure. But on the other hand, if he can't finish them, it's like, what's the point, you know? 
I mean, I've seen him struggle with scoring before, and it's frustrating to watch. Like, come on, dude! Finish those chances already! 
But at the same time, I get why he's focusing on confidence and execution... that makes sense, I guess. And I love how his coaches are using him on penalty kill - that's like, genius marketing for the team? 
I mean, who needs goals when you can just create scoring chances, right? Like, Slaggert is literally putting the puck in front of the goalie and expecting something to happen 
. But seriously, it's cool that he's focusing on building his confidence and execution. He's not giving up, which is awesome 
. And I love how coach Blashill is using him on penalty kill – it's like a genius move or something 
. The fact that Slaggert's been practicing game scenarios after practice is also super clutch 
.
, dude's got all the skills but just can't seem to put it in the back of the net. I get what he's saying, though - confidence and execution are key when you're trying to finish scoring chances. He's working hard on his tight shots and deception, so fingers crossed for him! 
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt 
. maybe instead of focusing on scoring chances, he should focus on scoring goals 
. just saying.
️. It's not just about throwing pucks at the net and hoping they go in, it's about being able to read the goalie and make a quick move 
. So maybe instead of focusing on how many goals he's scoring, we should be looking at how he's getting those chances in the first place 
.
I'm excited to see him keep working hard and practicing those game scenarios with Brian Keane. With the coaching staff noticing his skills and using him on the penalty kill, I think he's gonna get some big opportunities soon! 
️. Slaggert's been working hard, so patience is key here... or maybe just more reps on game scenarios 
instead of just finishing. his confidence will grow if he just starts putting the puck in the net more often 
. It'll def make him stand out more and help the Hawks win more games