Blackhawks Jason Dickinson leverages deceptive skating speed to defend against NHL's fastest opponents

Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson surprises fans with his impressive speed, which he uses to keep up with opposing stars defensively.

In a recent data release by the NHL, it was revealed that Blackhawks forward Andreas Athanasiou had the fifth-fastest maximum skating speed in the league last season, clocking in at 24.18 miles per hour. However, what may surprise many is that his teammate, Jason Dickinson, recorded the seventh-fastest speed at 24.08 mph. Dickinson, who often flies under the radar, uses his speed primarily for defensive purposes, keeping up with opposing team's star players.

While Athanasiou's speed can make a difference offensively, Dickinson's ability to keep up defensively is equally impressive. In addition to his max speed, Dickinson recorded 88 bursts faster than 20 mph and 498 bursts of 18-20 mph, putting him in the 78th and 89th percentiles, respectively, league-wide. This season, his max speed has been 21.84 mph, and he ranks in the 73rd percentile with 47 bursts faster than 18 mph.

Dickinson acknowledges the importance of his speed in keeping up with top players in the league. He named Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Mathew Barzal, Brayden Point, and Roope Hintz as some of the toughest opposing players to defend speed-wise, which aligns with the NHL's data. Notably, MacKinnon, McDavid, Point, and Hintz were the top four players in terms of 20-plus mph bursts last season.

Interestingly, Dickinson's coach, Luke Richardson, sees similarities between Dickinson and Golden Knights star Jack Eichel in terms of their speed and ability to change pace. Richardson notes that judging their speed can be challenging for defensemen due to the way they adjust their lower body tension.

Dickinson's ability to change speeds quickly and deceptively, combined with his size and athleticism, makes him an invaluable defensive forward for the Blackhawks. He played a key role in limiting Eichel's impact in recent games against the Knights, including a surprising win. During his five-on-five shifts against Eichel, the Hawks dominated with a 13-4 shot-attempt edge.

While Dickinson's offensive production has been a challenge this season, having gone seven games without a point since the opening night, there is potential for a hot streak. It's worth noting that he has increased his scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five compared to last season.

Overall, Dickinson's speed and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset to the Blackhawks, even if his contributions may go unnoticed by some. His ability to keep up with the league's fastest players and make an impact defensively is a testament to his skill and dedication.

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