Where We Are Now: Infuriatingly par for the course in that the team is stepping up against 'big' teams and stepping down against 'small' teams. Maybe it is some kind of old school sentiment that shakes off the Sunbelt teams or something but the Rangers simply disappointed last week in games against Atlanta and Carolina. There was a nice rebound in Toronto on Saturday but who knows if they can repeat that performance...
Where They Are Now: The reigning Cup Champs weren't able to have much of a hangover as they had a busy October and they came out of it 7-5-1. Like the Rangers, they had three games in four days last week and went 2-1. The loss was a wild 7-4 game against the Oilers while the victories were against the Kings and the Wild. Who To Watch For: Marian Hossa is thankfully out with injury (well, thankfully for the Rangers but not my fantasy team) so the Blueshirts don't have to worry about him but the Hawks have plenty of other weapons. First and foremost is Pat Sharp, who has been scoring at nearly a goal per game rate with 10 in 12. While their livers may never be the same thanks to the many moments of public intoxication this summer, Pat Kane and Jon Toews have not shown any ill effects from all of the alcohol. Duncan Teeth is still one of the best blueliners in the league and Super Nintendo Hjalmers has quietly become a top flight guy. But some of the guys you have to look out for are the lesser knowns - Troy Brouwer has yet to reach his potential and is only getting better (no matter how much the Fifth Feather is down on him at the moment) while youngster Jake Dowell has been hot of late, with goals in each of his last three games.
What To Watch For: Which Rangers show up - the kind that block shots and play a team game, the kind that skates hard and forces play by going to the net or the kind that rolls over and dies. What kind of form Marty Turco shows up in - the kind that allowed four goals in one period against the Oilers or the kind that stopped 60 of 62 shots in the games against LA and Minny. Eddie O said on NHL Live that Brian Campbell will play his first game of the NHL season, which is perfect timing for us of course (ugh), so watch for him to channel Bobby Orr for a goal or three.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Rangers taking the game to the Hawks instead of vice versa. No stupid, lazy penalties because Chicago will make them pay. Hank not needing to star as he did on Saturday but getting the same kind of help with all of the blocked shots. MDZ not playing as poorly as he has on both sides of the ice. Mike Sauer stepping into the lineup and showing no rust - the beat guys say he will be back in, hopefully at the expense of Eminger. If Boogaard plays then a tilt against John Scott, why the hell not? Justify the goon's paycheque since he won't fight for his teammates. Alex Frolov to do, well, anything.
Also Check Out: McClure does some great work over at SBN's Second City Hockey so that is all you really need but for further reading, Third Man In and the Fifth Feather are both pretty good.
Title: Peepin' Foes: The Resurgence of the Chicago Blackhawks
Introduction
The Chicago Blackhawks, a storied franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL), have undergone a transformation in recent years. Once dominant, the team faced a period of rebuilding and restructuring. However, the 2021-2022 season has marked a resurgence for the Blackhawks, and they are once again a team to watch. In this article, we'll explore the journey of the Chicago Blackhawks, their recent successes, and the factors contributing to their resurgence.
The Rebuilding Phase
Before diving into the current season, it's important to understand the context of the Blackhawks' journey. After winning three Stanley Cups in six seasons (2010, 2013, and 2015), the team faced salary cap challenges, and many of their star players either retired or moved on to other teams. This ushered in a rebuilding phase for the franchise.
During this period, the Blackhawks focused on developing young talent and making strategic trades and signings. Fans endured some challenging seasons as the team struggled to find its footing. However, these efforts laid the foundation for what was to come.
The 2021-2022 Resurgence
The 2021-2022 season has been nothing short of a resurgence for the Chicago Blackhawks. With an infusion of young talent and key veteran acquisitions, the team has surprised many by competing at a high level. Let's examine the factors behind their resurgence.
Youthful Energy: The Blackhawks' roster now boasts a cadre of young, skilled players who have injected energy and enthusiasm into the team. Players like [Young Player 1] and [Young Player 2] have shown immense promise and contributed significantly to the team's success.
Key Veteran Leadership: While youth has played a crucial role, seasoned veterans have also been instrumental. Players like [Veteran Player 1] and [Veteran Player 2] have provided leadership both on and off the ice, guiding the younger players and setting an example with their work ethic.
Goaltending Excellence: Goaltender [Goaltender Name] has been a standout performer. His exceptional saves and ability to steal games have been a game-changer for the Blackhawks.
Strategic Coaching: Head Coach [Coach Name] deserves credit for instilling a winning culture and implementing a system that maximizes the team's strengths. His strategic adjustments during games have often been the difference-makers.
Special Teams Success: Both the power play and penalty kill units have been firing on all cylinders. Their efficiency on special teams has given the Blackhawks a significant advantage in close games.
The Playoff Push
As the Blackhawks continue to make waves in the 2021-2022 season, fans are daring to dream about a playoff run. The team's resurgence has injected a sense of optimism and excitement into the city of Chicago. While challenges lie ahead, there's a belief that this squad has what it takes to compete with the best in the NHL.
The Chicago Blackhawks' journey from the pinnacle of success to a rebuilding phase and now to a resurgence is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the franchise. The 2021-2022 season has marked a turning point, and the team is once again a force to be reckoned with in the NHL. Whether they make a deep playoff run or not, the Blackhawks have already achieved something significant—a return to relevance and the promise of brighter days ahead.
FAQs
Q1: Who are some of the young players contributing to the Blackhawks' resurgence?
A1: Young players like [Young Player 1] and [Young Player 2] have made significant contributions to the team's success.
Q2: Who is the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks?
A2: The head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks is [Coach Name].
Q3: What were the key factors behind the Blackhawks' struggles during their rebuilding phase?
A3: Salary cap challenges and the departure of key veteran players were significant factors during the rebuilding phase.
Q4: How have the Blackhawks performed on special teams during the 2021-2022 season?
A4: The Blackhawks have excelled on special teams, with both their power play and penalty kill units performing at a high level.
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