Lazerus: Blackhawks’ Ian Mitchell right to feel frustrated with mounting scratches

Ian Mitchell laughed. There was no joy in the laugh. It was a laughter of recognition, of resignation.

It's been tough for him to get into a rhythm when he keeps getting yanked from the lineup.

Ian Mitchell was a scratch in Tuesday's game in Carolina. He will be a substitute again Thursday in St. Louis. The coach wants heavier bodies and good skaters for the game. Mitchell has been playing better since his most recent call-up on Dec. 1. He's more patient with the puck and calmer defensively. Jack Johnson is providing good value to the Blackhawks. They need to keep playing him. His metrics are bad, but so are the team's. It doesn't make sense. If they have lost faith in him, why give him one more extended audition? It's not like they see any benefit from anything that can happen on the ice this season.

Ian Mitchell is frustrated with the Blackhawks' lack of depth. The team has lost 17 of 19 games. It's not in the interest of winning.

Mitchell is a young prospect who wants to play in the NHL. He has 54 NHL games under his belt over the past three seasons. Mitchell is frustrated that he's not getting the opportunity to show his worth. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and have both eyes on the future. Mitchell wants a chance to prove himself. Richardson has not considered sitting a veteran in favor of someone like Mitchell. It's too late to trade players after the trade deadline. They will be playing in an AHL team. There will probably be more opportunities for players. If Mitchell doesn't play, he'll be scratched again on Thursday. "I just want to get in a game and play well. That's all I'm thinking about"

Ian Mitchell is frustrated with playing time. He wants to play more, but he's not sure what it will take to prove himself. He's going to continue to work hard and do what he can.