When defensemen Ethan Del Mastro and Nolan Allan were roommates in Rockford, Del Mastro used to do most of the cooking.
“But he’s always helpful with the dishes afterward, so that’s good,” he told the Tribune.
Now it’s the Hawks who want to let Del Mastro cook.
After a call-up Thursday, he’ll partner with Allan in his first NHL game of the season Friday when the Hawks play host to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the United Center.
Del Mastro said he’s “super excited” to play with Allan again.
“We had a lot of chemistry, living together and playing together, so I think we’re pretty close,” Del Mastro said. “He’s been up the whole year, so I haven’t been able to see him too much. It’s exciting to be back up with him, and then also playing with him is obviously a nice touch as well.
Of reuniting with Del Mastro, Allan said “it’s been cool.”
“I haven’t seen him a ton this year,” Allan said. “Being on the ice with him was great too. Kind of brings back memories of last year and (we’ll) continue to build that chemistry.”
Against the Lightning, Allan will man the left side — where he has played all of his games, according to Left Wing Lock — and Del Mastro will slot in on the right.
Both said they don’t have a preference and they’re versatile enough together that they won’t skip a beat if each of them winds up on the other side.
“I know Delly in junior, he played a lot on the right coming up, and then I was on the right last year (in Rockford), and we kind of flip flopped a little bit,” Allan said. “So if we get mixed up, we don’t really have a problem with who’s on the right.
Added Del Mastro: “We’re both defensive-minded guys who will want to play safe in our own zone, make sure we’re shutting down plays, and then we both like chipping on the offense and playing a little offense as well.”
Allan has a goal and seven assists through 38 games, but he’s keeping an eye on Del Mastro, who had seven goals and 30 assists for the IceHogs last season as was selected to the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic.
“I lean a little bit more defensively, and Delly last year, being an All-Star, he was a lot more offensive,” Allan said.
Whether any scoring chances materialize, that’s gravy. For now, Hawks brass wants Del Mastro laser-focused on defense.
“The big thing they focus on is just pace of play, being fast up there to close, fast to make passes up to the forwards and just quick with gaps,” Del Mastro said.
“I think gap control is a big thing they really focus on … and getting the first couple strides up the ice after you pass it, so you’re able to join (the rush) and be that threat as well for that.”
Interim coach Anders Sorensen said he simplified it for Del Mastro.
“Just have to trust his instinct and play his game,” he said. “He’s been really good down in Rockford, just a big frame, so use that to get in the way and stop plays defensively.”
