What began years ago with a winning lottery ball in the draft – which turned into Patrick Kane – evolved into a legitimate contender due to the signing of several big names and the development of rookies. Piece by piece it came together and by 2010 Chicago was celebrating its first Stanley Cup in 49 years.
Last year, the Blackhawks followed it up by steamrolling an excellent Boston (strong) Bruins team, for the franchise’s second cup in four seasons – and now they’re back at it.
With just four teams left in the 16-team tournament, the Blackhawks are currently facing off against the never-say-die Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Finals, while on the other side of the map, the Montreal Canadiens are taking on the New York Rangers. Chicago’s current matchup certainly favors the red and black, as does then next potential opponent from the Eastern Conference.
So, what makes us sure that they’ll soon be drinking again from the best trophy in sports, the only one that holds 14 beers at once and has been dented more times than your parent’s Toyota?
Let’s start at the team’s weakest position – goaltender. Corey Crawford is by no stretch a franchise netminder but he does have experience in his corner and that’s huge. But his numbers this year were quietly impressive, going 32-16-10 in 59 games with a 2.26 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. He’s upped the ante in the playoffs with the best GAA (1.90) and save percentage (.933) of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If that’s the weakest part of the team, it’s tough to imagine failure.
On the defensive side of the puck is really where the Blackhawks shine. From their No. 1 to No. 5 defenseman, the Blackhawks have at least three guys that would be a top defenseman on many teams – and their names are Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Nicklas Hjalmarsson. Puck carrying, backchecking and outlet passing are among the three’s strong suit. Mix in the physicality of Johnny Oduya and the crisp passing, shot blocking of Michal Rozsival and it’s clear how this team shut down both Colorado and Minnesota in the first two rounds. And then there’s the ‘hawks offense.
Scoring 2.92 goals per game during the playoffs, good for sixth best, Chicago has had little issue lighting the lamp – and while the Blackhawks aren’t the best, the team gets goals when it counts. Kane, Patrick Toews and Marian Hossa have each had solid numbers, though nothing eye-popping. That’s because the team has solid depth through its first three lines, but one disappointment has been left winger Patrick Sharp who, through 13 playoff games, has tallied just two goals to go along with four assists.
Let’s not forget, the man, the myth, the mustache behind the bench. Since getting the axe by the Avalanche in 2008, Joel Quenneville has been one of the league’s best coaches. In six regular seasons in Chicago, coach Q has a record of 268-127-15 in 454 games, while his playoff record – going into Tuesday night’s game – is just as impressive – 55-33 in 88 games, to go with his two championships. We’ve only ever seen this guy smile twice. It wasn’t on his wedding day, or during the birth of his children – no, both came when he was hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup. Otherwise he’s a curmudgeon.
Clearly, these reasons all add up why the ‘hawks are the best team in the NHL yet again.
When Chicago takes down the Kings, a team that lost all three of their regular season meetings, than it will be smoothing sailing. With the injury to Carey Price and the fact that the Canadiens trail 2-0 in the series, it seems likely the matchup in the finals will be against New York – a matchup which certainly favors the Blackhawks. The Rangers have had a tough time scoring this postseason and have a beat up defense playing above its capabilities, though New York does have a world class goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, who can steal a game or two.
Many believe the Rangers have had the help of lady luck to get where they are – and we agree. We think it’ll be Blackhawks in six and with it, the dynasty discussion will begin.
Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
