Blackhawks' Frank Nazar faces heat from head coach Jeff Blashill amidst scoring slump

Nazar missed a couple of games with the Blackhawks due to what was called a 'mid-body' injury, we assume it's likely hip-related, and then he skated through a rough patch while not feeling 100 percent.

His speed and explosiveness weren't there. That drop in skating showed up on the data, and it showed on the scoresheet.

Even with those early-season struggles, there were signs of life-but lately it's mostly been bad luck and missed chances. In his first ten games he scored five goals on 18 shots on goal, but over the last dozen he's shelved 30 shots with none finding the back of the net. His shooting percentage has cratered from 27.8 percent down to about 10.4 percent.

Blashill has publicly told Nazar exactly what needs to change.

He added that there are times Nazar might benefit from slowing the rush and «attack outside a little bit more» rather than forcing one-on-one plays.

Blashill also pointed out that with linemates back-Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teräväinen-Nazar's opportunities should return.

«They do a really good job of getting pucks in the right spots for Frankie, and when Frankie gets in those spots with speed, he's really dangerous.»

For a player still on pace for a career-best season if he returns to form, the pressure is real. Nazar has the talent and the linemates.

He just needs to channel the speed and timing that made him look dangerous early in the season. At this crossroads, Blashill is trying to light a fire-hopefully Nazar responds before this slump drags him down further.