It’s not like they’re not trying… After hitting the jackpot and getting Connor Bedard in the draft before the season, I thought this was the start of the ascent back to the top of the NHL this year for the Blackhawks. Certainly not expecting Stanley Cup or anything, but thought they’d be competitive. Well, with a rash of injuries to an already thin roster, with the cherry on top being Bedard out, the Blackhawks are back in that position. It’s the return of the tank!
After the loss in Calgary, the Blackhawks have now dropped 4 in a row. They are tied with the Sharks with an NHL low 30 points thus far this season. They are back on track to getting the best odds to get that #1 pick… again! How about that? I guess that would be the best possible outcome this year? Sure, I’d love to see Bedard back on the ice ASAP; he certainly has flashed some phenomenal skills when he was out there. Certainly have not been swayed off my opinion that the future for him and the Blackhawks looks very bright; looks like it’s just going to start a year later than I thought. And that’s OK, I think, especially if you’re throwing in another #1 pick to this young roster. That sounds pretty damn good. Now I don’t think there’s another “Bedard” out there, but I’m sure there’s a very talented player that would look great in an Indian Head sweater. Bring it on.
Back to that trying part… our goalie has been really good this year. Petr Mrazek was rewarded with a contract extension with the team. He started 3 of these last 4 losses, and has given up a total of 6 goals; can’t do it alone boys. Need some guys to light the lamp for us. Want to guess how many goals we had in those 3 losses? Zero. That’s right, nada. Guess we could tie like that, but certainly not winning any games; well, maybe in a shootout, but… you get the picture. The Hawks have extended some other dudes too; I like it. Besides Mrazek, the Hawks signed Dickinson & Foligno to matching 2 year extensions. They are trying to lock up some pieces for the future, at least, the near future, over the next 2 years.
The Blackhawks SHOULD be back in the playoffs within that timeframe, right? That isn’t too optimistic? I certainly hope so. My biggest fear is if for some reason the Hawks don’t progress, if they’re not working towards the postseason, eventually focusing in on the Cup, Bedard will want out; that would be the worst possible outcome here. I think it’s WAY too early to worry about that, but there’s no way around it; the results this year have been disappointing.
I think we understand why though; there is an explanation. Still disappointing, but understandable. And now, since we’re in this position, getting another high pick isn’t a bad consolation prize. I know Bedard is chomping at the bit to get back on the ice, which I obviously like BTW, but no reason to rush it. The Blackhawks season has been bad; let’s make sure we capitalize on this, which will hopefully be the last season like this in a long time. I’d still like to see some Ws, especially the game I’m going to, no doubt, but don’t think we’ll get many more, even with full effort. Keep your head up boys. Soon… Go Hawks!
Leave a Reply