Blackhawks

March 7, 2017

The Blackhawks are en fuego!

When you win games with Tootoo and Campbell scoring goals and one when you only play 20 minutes you know the stars are aligned for this team..

Speaking of stars, Patrick Kane is proving that he is in the top three of offensive players in hockey. He is scoring goals in bunches and adding assists throughout this hot streak. Last I checked he was in second place among point leaders, sandwiched between Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby.

 Even when not scoring, Jonathan Toews may be their most valuable player. He plays both ends of the ice, wins face-offs, scores overtime winners and provides the leadership a team needs.  After an injury and a revolving door of line mates, the number one line is clicking. With a sniper in Panik and a play maker like Schmaltz, Toews has ramped up his goals and assists to add to his overall game.

Duncan Keith could be the top defenseman in the league.  An annual contender for the Norris Trophy (Defenseman of the Year) he seems to do everything right. He defends his zone and goalie, makes up-ice passes, carries the puck up and has a blazing slap shot from the point. The perfect combination of defense and offense.

Corey Crawford has been outstanding. Some nights he makes over 30 saves, of which some are spectacular. He is especially good on breakaways and in shootouts.  There are many games they might not have won without him.  It doesn’t matter that his job is easier with all the goals the offense is scoring. He makes key saves when needed. I must mention that Scott Darling has played well. However, he is a free agent and wants to be a starter getting starter’s money. This will be his last year as a Blackhawk.

Can this team avoid the bad endings they have had in past seasons? March and April have not been too kind. Can they stay this consistent through March, April, May and June?