Weekly Blackhawks Update
This is the final article I will write for this academic year, and what an article it will be! There is a lot of Blackhawks hockey still to come!
As you may already know, the Blackhawks claimed the Presidents Trophy just last week, capping an amazing regular season.
This regular season has been not only record setting, but also extremely fulfilling after NHL fans were put on hold during the lockout.
The Chicago Blackhawks have every Hawks fan in the world behind them as they venture into the Stanley Cup Playoffs in search of the Cup.
All Hawks are full go on all levels, at least, for the most part. Ray Emery and Dave Bolland still remain out, but are hopefully expected back in the lineup soon!
Speaking of Ray Emery, Emery and Crawford rightfully earned the William M. Jennings Trophy for their most impressive play in net during this regular season. They definitely deserved this award and have made Hawks fans proud.
Moving on to playoffs, The Hawks have drawn their first opponent, the Minnesota Wild. Although the Wild are ranked 8th, the lowest playoff ranking, they are to be considered a formidable opponent.
Saint Xavier student Patrick Kelso brings up a good point about underestimating a No.8 seed in pointing out that the Los Angeles Kings beat the Vancouver Canucks last year in the playoffs.
Also, the Kings actually ended up winning the Stanley Cup. Wise words from Kelso, indeed.
Hopefully this is not the case this year for the Hawks. I believe they will beat the Wild in 5 games, reflecting the regular season statistics of this matchup.
If the Hawks keep their intensity and stay true to their playing style, they will go far this post-season.
Needed Improvements
One thing that has needed a constant tune-up this regular season, and will be needed this post-season, is the Blackhawks’ powerplay.
The Hawks’ powerplay finished at 19th in the NHL. Not so hot, if I may add.
I would like to see an improvement in the playoffs with the powerplay unit.
An improved powerplay can really help the Hawks and carry them through tough situations that can be faced through the grueling Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Any team that can capitalize on powerplay chances has a huge advantage in the playoffs. That being said, the Hawks can make themselves that much better if the powerplay unit tightens up.
Overall, the Hawks know what they need to do to make hoisting the cup possible.
Frank’s Three Regular Season Stars
1st: Jonathan Toews/Patrick Kane
2nd: Corey Crawford/Ray Emery
3rd: Brandon Saad
Toews/Hossa: Toews and Kane have carried this team through a majority of this team’s victories this regular season.
Toews has lead by example in scoring 23 Goals and 25 Assists, coming to a total of 48 points, in these past 48 games.
Kaner has also contributed significantly while scoring 23 Goals and 32 Assists, totaling 55 points. This has been another great year for these two amazing NHL forwards. I look forward to seeing these two as they lead the Hawks through the playoffs.
Crawford/Emery: As mentioned earlier in the article, Crawford and Emery have been a huge part and a cornerstone of the
Blackhawks’ success this year so far. They have earned the William M. Jennings Trophy for a reason. Many teams struggle to find a starting goalie and have wondered which goalie the Hawks would choose to “start.”
Well, it is safe to say that this year, the Hawks had two “starting goalies” that worked in tandem to get the job done. I hope that they continue to hold solid in net as the Hawks strive to win the Cup.
Saad: Brandon Saad has turned many heads this season, including my own.
Saad has proved to be a quality forward for the Blackhawks Organization with his ability to play with veterans like Toews and Hossa.
He has scored 10 Goals and 17 Assists to total 27 points this season, making him 5th in scoring for the Hawks.
He has most definitely earned his 1st Line status this season. I hope he continues to contribute for the Hawks and that he scores his first NHL Playoff Goal very soon!
Closing Thoughts
Thank you all for reading my articles this year; it has been a great honor and pleasure to provide Blackhawks coverage and commentary to the Xavierite community.
I look forward to continuing my writing career for the Xavierite and I hope to write about the Hawks bringing back the Stanley Cup to Chicago, once again, in my next issue this fall. GO HAWKS!
Frank Markasovic
Sports Editor