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Vinnie Hinostroza remembers playing hockey against good friend and (now) teammate Ryan Hartman, starting when they were seven years old.
He was one of the toughest kids in the area to play against, Hinostroza said. You never wanted to play against him, even when there wasnt checking.
So basically, Hartman has always played this energy-driven, sandpaper game. It just so happens that his game is a lot like former Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaws. So when Shaw was traded, the inevitable questions arose. Who was going to take Shaws place in the lineup? Who was going to bring Shaws agitation? Who was going to bring Shaws net-front presence? It was all about someone being the next Shaw.
While Hartman has replaced Shaw in some aspects, he is not, nor was he ever, trying to be Shaw. And so far this season Hartmans been playing his game pretty well and creating his own identity with the Blackhawks.
So maybe its time for us to give Hartman credit for being a good player in his own right, and not a guy trying to be another guy.
Andrew came into the league and built his own path and became the player he is by his own play and his own game, Hartman said. Im just looking to do the same thing.
Hartman has given a boost to the Blackhawks, and hes currently on a line with Marian Hossa and Hinostroza. He was especially good on the Blackhawks Circus Trip, during which he had three goals in seven games including the game winner against Anaheim on Friday. Hes been agitating. Hes been aggressive. So far hes also done all that while staying on the right side of the discipline line.In 19 games this season, Hartman has just two penalty minutes.
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Hinostroza said Hartmans succeeding with his own game.
Thats always been his identity. Hes not trying to be someone else, Hinostroza said. So its important he sticks to that and people will really start seeing how he plays. Hopefully he can keep it up.
Much like several other rookies, Hartman is taking advantage of an opportunity. Another offseason purge and another tight salary-cap situation opened the door for some of the Blackhawks prospects. Hartman is especially noticeable against the Blackhawks more physical opponents.
I think hes always had a little edge to his game that he needs to bring every shift, coach Joel Quenneville said. You notice him. Hes abrasive in the puck area, he goes to the hard areas, comes up with loose pucks and can make a play in tight areas, which is his game. Physicality you look at our lineup, guys who can enhance our team physically in any way, we dont mind that. He brings that element that we appreciate.
Hes also brought offense, good for a team that needs more secondary scoring. So whats been working for him?
Its a mix of a lot. Finding chemistry with line mates, with other players, a little bit of puck-luck too. Pucks have come onto my stick in good areas at times. Weve been getting some wins, too, which helps, Hartman said. Its a good thing Ive been able to score. Thereve been a few posts and other chances, a couple of open nets I shouldve scored on, too. But hopefully I can continue helping out on the scoresheet.
Hartman is here because the Blackhawks had players to replace, including Shaw. But he should be known for his own game, for his own contributions.
Im just coming along game by game, Hartman said. [Im] playing the way Ive always played and just trying to build a career from there.
Source: http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-blackhawks/morning-update-cubs-sign-jon-jay-blackhawks-win-shootout
