The Blackhawks ended off 2019 with a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames.
Led by Robin Lehner and Patrick Kane, the Hawks were able to win their 5th game in the last 6 appearances.
This, of course, kicks off the ever-frustrating debate of whether this Chicago team is a playoff team; I still say it's a long shot but it's not out of the question.
It's a New Year, heck a new decade and this team is looking to keep the momentum. They showed
Jimmy Greenfield of the Chicago Tribune got me thinking (and investigating) after the follow tweet:
I knew the Hawks started to play better towards the end of December and into the New Year last season, so I dug into that.
Ironically enough, from January 1st to April 6th, their record was 21–14–6, good for 48 points.
So, almost identical record (1 point lower) than Jimmy is saying the Hawks need to shoot for if they want a playoff spot.
I know many will scoff and the idea of this entire blog because the Hawks just need to tank and rebuild.
I can't say that I blame your thinking. This team has many holes – even more so now with the recent injuries – however, it's hard to deny that it would beneficial to capitalize on the outstanding seasons of Kane and Lehner while creating a winning environment for the rookies on this team.
Last year, the Hawks' mentality was to come out flying and outscore every opponent. It was the only way Coach Colliton knew his squad could have a chance on winning night-in-and-night-out.
This year it's a little different. The Hawks still give up a lot of shots but their goals against are down in comparison to last year and the special teams have reversed.
Let's take a look at what would need to happen in the next 3 months for the Hawks to be participating in extra games come mid-April:
* Health – they already know they aren't getting Seabrook and de Haan back. Saad is recovering and should be available mid to late January – that will be a big boost to the line-up. I wouldn't expect Shaw back anytime soon as he might be shut down for the year with a concussion and Caggiula is a candidate to return at some point this month.
There is a sliver of positive news in there, but the Hawks simply aren't deep enough to suffer any more injuries. For them to even sniff the playoffs, they will need almost every key contributor to stay out of sickbay.
* Reinforcements - the Hawks have rallied behind this injection of youth throughout the lineup. Getting Saad and Caggiula back will help up front but the back end might need an upgrade. I wouldn't advocate for Bowman to go out and acquire anyone by giving up an asset but maybe there is a tweak on the backend he could make.
Would it be crazy to think Gustafsson could be moved for a more defensive or two-way style defender? Colliton has recently bumped Gus of PP1 in favour of Boqvist. If the younger Swede can prove his worth with the man advantage, then there could be an option right there.
* Progression – even though the points aren't there, Kirby Dach is finding his game as a pro. The line of him, Strome and DeBrincat have been a successful one and one that could be a decider on whether this team can win 22+ games from here on out.
Dach's progression is noticeable and I expect similar improved play from the likes of Boqvist, Highmore, and Gilbert.
* Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford - whether Lehner takes the reigns or not in 2020, the Hawks will need to rely on both of these guys. They have all year and that won't change moving forward.
* Special Teams – since December 14th the Blackhawks are 3rd in the NHL in Penalty Killing %. They have moved up to 10th over in the NHL. That is extremely impressive based on how awful they were last year.
Unfortunately, it's now the Power Play that has struggled for most of the year. They are 26th overall. They have scored a PP tally in their last 2 games but will need to go on a serious streak in the 2nd half of this season if there's any hope of postseason action.
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That's my take for today.
What are your thoughts?
See ya out there!
TC
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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