Don’t look now, but the Blackhawks are losing out on the best odds in the NHL draft that are awarded to the worst team in the NHL. Yes, dare I say the Hawks are “thawing out”… After the Hawks beat the Ducks on Tuesday night at the UC, they recorded their 3rd win in 4 games. So you’re saying there’s a chance…
No, actually, when you look in the standings, although the Hawks have 2 more points than the NHL worst Sharks, there is still a little “e” next to each of their names in the standings. Yes, the Blackhawks have officially been eliminated from postseason contention; this has long been a foregone conclusion. Still, a little hot streak would be nice.
This run started in Arizona when the Hawks ended their 22 game road losing streak beating the Coyotes 5-2. After a loss in Washington against the Caps, the Hawks beat the Coyotes again, this time 7-4 at home. Next, they matched the 7 goal total vs the Ducks, defeating them 7-2. 19 goals in their 3 wins; that ain’t bad. How’s that kid doing? You know, Connor… Bedard.
Connor recorded 2 helpers in the first W against Arizona. In the rematch, he scored 2 along with another helper. On Tuesday night… another goal and 4 assists. 10 points in the 3 wins. You’d have to guess he’d figure in prominently with the Hawks success; this should be part of the formula for the foreseeable future. Now we’re just waiting for the help. Well, how about Colin Blackwell? He scored a hat trick in the 2nd win against Arizona. I remember him because of his nice goal against Philly when we went to the game. Between that game and the hat trick game, he’s recorded half of his goals on the season. A 30 year old journeyman may not be part of the immediate future. How about Kurashev? He scored 2 goals on Tuesday night vs the Ducks. At 24 years old, with 40 points on the season, Philipp should be around. Bedard assisted on both of his goals in this one.
Who else will be part of the future on Connor’s Hawks? Regardless of how the Hawks finish out this year, the odds at getting another top pick in the draft will remain good; adding another elite talent via the draft is an almost certainty. There are other pieces on the roster, and others that we’ll acquire/sign from other teams’ rosters in the offseason. When you add it all up, this Hawks team should be substantially better on the ice next year.
Can we expect them to double their point total from this year? Through 66 games, the Hawks sit at 41 points. Let’s say they get 8 more points in the final 16 games. 49 points for the year; double that, we’re at 98. That’s a pretty large expectation; maybe in 2 years… Whatever the future holds, it feels promising. Seeing the Hawks play good for this mini stretch is certainly nice to see. Go Hawks!
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