Blackhawks’ bottom-six forwards inexplicably producing extra

The Blackhawks’ ahead corps is in an odd spot. The supposed first- and second-line stars are struggling, however the supposed third- and fourth-line grinders and depth contributors are excelling. It’s an odd and not-easily-solved predicament for a staff that went by way of the offseason appearing as if its depth, not its top-end expertise, was the realm most in want of enchancment. After the loss Sunday to the Capitals — the Hawks’ fourth defeat in six video games — coach Jeremy Colliton was requested why Dominik Kubalik, who simply had recorded a whopping 10 pictures on aim, wasn’t getting extra ice time. ‘‘I think you can say that for a lot of guys,’’ Colliton mentioned. ‘‘[Alex]