Somehow. Somehow the Chicago Blackhawks are in the hunt. After a horrendous season that has included 2 LONG losing streaks, and a coaching change the Blackhawks are 1 point out. Things have really changed since the new year. Sure we lost the Winter Classic, but the Blackhawks are in the hunt once again.
Chicago has managed to win games, but have they really changed their play? I would say no. Chicago is still being outplayed, still being outshot, and still playing mediocre hockey. Sure they are winning games, but they are an offense driven team; the only issue with that is they only have 2 lines of production. An offensively driven team needs to be pushing 4 lines, Not relying on Toews, Kane, Debrincat, and Strome.
Chicago could honestly make the playoffs. They may not be that great of a team but hey once you get in anything can happen.
Chicago has 22 more games left this season, and they kick off their climb to the playoffs tonight against the Red Wings, here is our preview of the Wings :
Detroit Red Wings
Record : 23-29-8
Last 5 : 2-2-1
Last game : Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-1 Flyers Final
Players to Watch :
Dylan Larkin : The 22 year old centerman who honestly could be considered a skilled Jonathan Toews has 24 goals and 31 assists so far this season. He leads the team in points, and penalty minutes so expect him to take some costly penalties.
Special Teams:
Detroit has a below average Penalty Kill and Power Play so hopefully the Hawks can pull ahead in that regard.
The Hawks have 22 more games to change their season. One of the first things they need to change is their defensive play. Chicago currently ranks 31st in the league for goals against. They allowed 7 goals against the worst team in the league, I mean the worst team in the league (Ottawa Senators). Chicago needs to push for the playoffs by improving on team defense.
Expected Final Score :
4-2 Hawks
Other Games to Watch :
Jets Vs Avalanche
(The Avs are the closest thing to competition for the Hawks for a playoff spot. If both team wins then the Avs will be in a playoff spot with a game in hand on the Blackhawks. It is in the best interest for the Blackhawks that the Avs lose.)
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