Do the blackhawks have a chance at the playoffs?

Question

And if so how far?

Answer 1

Steve S
Bill Wirtz wasn't terrible for the franchise, Peter was. Bill missed the playoffs 4x while he was strictly in control.

Peter only made them twice while he was strictly in control (in 10 years).

Having said that.

Yes, the team has a chance. The Western conference is a very strong conference. Even the rebuilding Phoenix Coyotes have knocked off a few teams and Los Angeles, Columbus, and St. Louis have joined Chicago as playoff contenders.

The Hawks need to work on some things
1) Goaltending needs to be more consistent. Eddie mentioned this a zillion times during the Columbus telecast that it became naseating to listen to....but he's right. lalime has to play like he played in Ottawa and Khabibulin has to picture the beaches of Florida while he plays

2) Forwards need to get better defensively. Kane can score.....great...but he gives the puck away too damn often. Does Yanic Perreault even know what his end looks like? Ditto to Robert Lang. You need to be a two way player in the NHL to succeed. There's hope for Kane............Lang and Perreault may be a bit long in the tooth though.

3) The Defence needs to play hard for 60 minutes. In the last three games, there have been periods of time where the defence looks like they are taking a nap. Detroit had a couple of flurriesduring this time and Columbus had their way at times during these periods. The top lines on all teams will get their chances, but they can have those chances limited by playing solid defence for 60 minutes.

The return of Havlat will help the team in the offensive end. The team has two strong lines with Havlat in the lineup and this group will need to continue stretching defences. Kane and Toews are working D's hard enough that Lang and company are having an easier time of it.

Seabrook and Keith have to continue to play hard every shift. Denis has talked to Brent a couple of times about his work ethic if he wants to be a top D-man in the NHL. Hopefully it sinks in sooner rather than latter.

Finally, this team had a fast start last year and then lost both Handzus and Havlat for an extended period of time, and the offence took too many shifts off. Savard has to keep this team moving in the right direction and hopefully the continued success will breed the motivation this team needs to play hard every night, because until I get my 82 game schedule against those patsies from Detroit, this team will need to work for most of these victories.


Andrew.V..................you're right, last night was a dud, made me embarassed of my Black hawk pedigree

Answer 2

Richard C... pick up some current periodicals man. Technically we have new management and the stands are starting to fill because the Hawks have scouted good players, and obtained good talent. Things have turned around and Rocky Wirtz doing a GREAT job so far. Last year I would have agreed with you... but thats old news now... the only thing that can make fans suffer here are the players themselves.

I'm a season ticket holder and have been to many games so far and realistically they do have a good chance. I see so much that reminds me of 'Hawks teams that thrilled me as a kid and so on. I hope they do...I'm friggin been going with my Dad since 1971 when we first got season tickets for our family and had a great ride for a while but just stale lately. This year being the exception. They need better goaltending though or they won't get too far. I'd say if they make they will win the first round but may fall in second. They do have veterans on the team that have won the cup and/or have good playoff experience. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Answer 3

They definately have a chance at it, and it's not that far of a long shot. I don't think that they'll finish very high up, but they could definately contend for the 7th or 8th playoff spot (seeing how there's no way of Chicago contending with Detroit for the division). Next year, it may not be such a long shot. Bill Wirtz was terrible for the franchise, but it seems like his son wants to turn them around. They've got some strong veterens like Lang, Samsonov, and Perreault, and now that they have very promising talent in Toews and Kane, they can't just ignored from playoff contention any more. It'll take a lot of work this year, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if Chicago slips into the playoffs next year as these younger guys develop. Be patient, their time will come just around the corner. :)

Answer 4

I am afraid this is again going to be a long season in the Windy City for this once proud franchise. The great hockey fans of Chicago deserve better from management. They are fifth in the conference playoff hunt right now, but I just don't see the club building upon a somewhat quick start into the year & remaining in the playoff derby.

Answer 5

They have a legit shot at the playoffs this season, especially if Havlat comes back and stays healthy. I doubt they would go anywhere in the playoffs if they made it, but the future is bright for once. The have a ton of young talent (Kane Toews Seabrook Kieth) and more on the way. Its a good time to be a Hawks fan.

Answer 6

Its early still my friend, I like the hawks chances they can make It far, however they have to play on one condition that they continue to win down the strecth like being in first place for six months into the playoffs.

Answer 7

Based on the start of the season yes they do. However it all depends on how some of the young players hold up over the long season. Also they will need to show more than they did last night.

Answer 8

like a lot of people..no. Im a big wings fan and they have great chemistry against wings but the western conference is to strong. rookies like kane cant lead them to far...in a few years they may be like the lions (pick up ppl, get steady etc) and make a run but for now nah they cant, to tough

Answer 9

Hate to break your heart my friend, but there not going to make it. There to young of a team, and who knows if the youngsters can stay consistent through out the season The Western Conference is to tight of a division. The eight teams are going to be

Detroit
Colorado
Wild
Ducks
San Jose
Columbus
Dallas
Calgary

Answer 10

Boy they sure act like they could this year. The blues are looking good too....they may fade tho.
I see Chicago making a run at it this year.
GO REDWINGS!!!!!!!!