Oliver Moore Was Sent A Message By Blackhawks Coach Jeff Blashill With Healthy Scratch

In Sunday's game against the Florida Panthers, Oliver Moore was a healthy scratch. In his place was the previously injured Andrew Mangiapane. Moore, who has had time spent playing wing and center so far this year, has 2 goals and 1 assist so far on the young season. 

The result turned out to be a 3-2 loss for the Blackhawks at the hands of the Panthers with Moore out of the lineup. Mangiapane, in Moore's spot, did have one assist. He hit a puck out of mid-air to Ryan Greene in front of the net, who didn't miss his chance to give the team a 1-0 lead. 

Moore is one of the fastest players in the NHL, and certainly the fastest in the Chicago Blackhawks organization. When he's going well, that speed helps him make a difference at even strength, on the power play, and on the penalty kill. 

Jeff Blashill spoke about Oliver Moore's healthy scratch on Sunday before the game. His answer was a simple "Yes" when asked if it meant a message was being sent to the player. When asked to elaborate, he did give a fair and honest answer. 

"Oliver is going to be a great player in this league," Blashill said. "My confidence in him is high. He's played good hockey. Like the rest of our young guys, they have to keep learning how not to beat ourselves. As a group, we have to learn that; as individuals, we have to learn that. He's not alone - it's our whole team." 

It's strange to place any blame on Moore for the Blackhawks' struggles. Even if that isn't the intention, it comes across that way with the healthy scratch. He has a lot to improve on, but that is the case for every young player on the team. 

The Blackhawks extended Moore at the beginning of the season, so it's likely that this was just a one-off. This could also end up being good for him, as there have been examples of players sitting down for a game and coming back strong in the next one. 

Expect Moore to come out flying in the next game against the Los Angeles Kings. His fresh, speedy legs should help against a slower Kings team that is closer in talent to the Blackhawks than some of their recent opponents. 

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