Speed, Deception puts Blackhawks’ Schmaltz Among Premier Pickpockets

CHICAGO, IL –

Tyson Barrie took the puck from behind his own net, gathered up a head of steam and barreled toward the neutral zone. Blackhawks wingers Andreas Martinsen and Brandon Saad backed off and turned toward the neutral zone, a smart and safe move.

Nick Schmaltz attacked.

Schmaltz darted across the blue line and into the Avalanche’s zone, steering Barrie toward the boards. He then lunged forward, reached out with his left hand and swatted the puck right off Barrie’s stick — without slashing or tripping him. Schmaltz got the puck, a scoring chance and a power play out of it, as Barrie desperately hacked Schmaltz on the right knee as he raced in on goal.