The Chicago Blackhawks score goals in a variety of ways like all teams, but they also have their specialties.

There’s Artemi Panarin’s one-timer. There’s Patrick Kane backhanded shot. There’s Marian Hossa’s power move.

If there can be a sub-category, Brent Seabrook’s stretch pass should be included. While Seabrook’s skill may not put the puck in the net, it can give the Blackhawks a great chance at scoring. He recently spoke with The Athletic about his ability, what he looks for on the play and broke down a few specific ones.



Scott Powers: What are the keys to having an effective stretch pass?

Brent Seabrook: I don’t know if there’s a key to it. I think get your head up ice as fast as you can, and guys in the right position, guys going. You got to make a hard pass. Things got to happen the right way.

I think in the one in Anaheim [earlier this season] was a broken draw. I got a little extra second in the corner. Soupy made a nice D-to-D pass, and I was able to turn and fire it up the ice, and Kaner was skating the right route. He said he felt like a football player after that. He was skating a football route.

It’s sort of things have to come together and materialize. I know we’ve tried that play before, and I get pinched off before I can get behind the net and things don’t materialize. But just sort of is what it is and you got to try and take advantage of it when you see the opportunity.



SP: Have you always been good at that?

BS: I don’t know. You’re the reporter.

SP: Since I’ve been covering the beat, you’ve been pretty good.

BS: I’ve always liked to pass and pass the puck hard and try to find the open guy. That’s really what I’m trying to do in a situation like that. Anytime you’re passing the puck to Patrick Kane, if he’s not open, he’s going to get the puck and get himself open.



SP: There was another pass around that time you connected with Dennis Rasmussen in the neutral zone, and he was able to move the puck quickly to Marcus Kruger for a goal.

BS: It was a pass up the ice. I think our forwards do a good job of stretching the zones and getting up ice. I didn’t really do much. I made the pass up the ice, but he made a great tip to Krugs with speed, and he came in and made a nice shot. It was one of those things I’m just trying to get the puck up the ice to guys with speed and a good spot and try to make a pass they can handle. Ras made a nice tip and Krugs was humming.