Blackhawks Team Outlook

The Hawks just lost their 3rd consecutive game to a conference rival and likely opponent come playoff time. Here’s how that looks:

  • 3-2 OT loss at St. Louis Blues
  • 5-2 loss at Dallas Stars
  • 5-0 loss LA Kings

So where is the team at right now? The optimist says there are a lot of new players, new line combinations and players like Kruger and Hossa returning from injury. Give them time and everything will fall into place.

The pessimist says the Chicago defense is in shambles and the offense has difficulty generating even strength goals.

My thoughts? I believe the jury is out, but I remain patient and a believer. The season is long and worrying about a few losses now, while not insignificant, is ridiculous. There are a lot of new bodies, lines, etc. Long way to go… no need to push the panic button.

What would help? Shoring up the defense and making life a little easier for Corey Crawford. Getting some production from a line other than the Panarin-Anisimov-Kane line. Hossa returning from injury to join The Captain and Andrew Ladd should help.

Patrick Kane Update

Mr. Kane is still leading the league is scoring. Kaner’s 38 goals, 51 assists and 89 points leads Jamie Benn by 12 points. The Hawks need Kaner to heat up again, but it’s still early. Let’s save it for the post season.

Trade Deadline Review

Stop me if you’ve heard this before… At the NHL trade deadline Chicago Blackhawks General Manager, Stan Bowman, makes a couple of deals that bring key additions to the Hawks. Chicago, bolstered by these moves goes on to win the Stanley Cup. Happened in 2010, 2013 and 2015. What about 2016?

The jury is still out. On the one hand… Bowman made his usual trade deadline deals bringing arguably the biggest prize to Chicago, Andrew Ladd. He also traded for Dale Weise, Christian Ehrhoff and Tomas Fleischmann.

The Good: The Blackhawks identified their guy, former Hawk, Andrew Ladd, and got him. They also freed themselves of Rob Scuderi, picked up a puck moving defenseman in Ehrhoff as more forward depth.

The Bad: Bowman gave up Marko Dano, Phillip Danault, a 1st round draft pick and a 2nd round draft pick to make the deals.

Bottom Line: The Hawks need to win now and while they appear to be in position to do so, they may have been caught a little short on the defensive side of the ice. Time will tell.