Hawks Slogan One Goal Now Refers to Making the Playoffs

January 31, 2020

Three seasons ago the Chicago Blackhawks were swept out of the playoffs in the first round. The following year they missed making the playoffs. Last year with the team struggling, the Hawks let go Joel Quenneville, the coach of three Stanley Cup championship teams. He was replaced by 33 year old Jeremy Colliton, coach of their minor league affiliate the Rockford Ice Hogs. Initially under Colliton the Hawks were an unmitigated disaster. They were playing their worst hockey since Rocky Wirtz took control of the team. The Hawks had fallen out of playoff contention by the All-Star break.

Colliton made changes that turned things around. When he inserted Erik Gustafsson on the point, the power play was the best in the NHL. By putting Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews on the same line, both had career years. Playing inspired hockey, the Hawks were making a push to reach the playoffs. However, the hole they had dug for themselves was too deep to overcome. They ran out of gas and missed the playoffs.

Buoyed by their play at the end of last year, I was optimistic about this season. Once again the Hawks started slowly.  Bad and inconsistent play landed them in last place in their division. However, it seemed  as if a light switch went on and the Hawks went on an 11-5 tear prior to the All-Star break. This stretch  gives them a legitimate chance of reaching the playoffs.

Part of the blame for the poor start was that the Hawks suffered a number of injuries.  Connor Murphy, who I think is the Hawks best defensemen,, missed the first nine games. Calvin de Haan, acquired in a trade, was injured for the first two games and played a total of only 29 before going down with a season ending injury. Duncan Keith had to sit out a few games. Luckily, Brent Seabrook is out for the season. The defense is being saved by the outstanding goal tending of Robin Lehner.

Let’s start with two injuries to key players. Brandon Saad was having his best season since the Hawks reacquired him. After missing a month he is back and still playing well. Goal scorer Dylan Strome has been in and out for most of the year. He is close to returning. Hopefully when he comes back he can help Alex DeBrincat regain the form that netted him 41 goals last year.

The kids are all right. The decision to hang on to 18 year-old Kirby Dach is paying off. Although he’s not filling up the score sheet, he is getting better and better. Defenseman, 19 year-old Adam Boqvist has looked really good and will also improve. I believe both will be NHL stars. Then there is 24 year-old Dominik Kubalik who leads all rookies with 21 goals.

u are tempting fate if he has to save 35-40 shots a game. This is exasperated by the dump and run offense. More often than not, the opponents take possession and head up the ice. The other obstacle in reaching the playoffs is their February schedule is brutal.  It includes eleven road games all against contending teams. We’ll know a lot more regarding their playoff aspirations when March arrives.