They weren't supposed to be there, but they acted as they belonged. The Chicago Blackhawks were surely going to miss the postseason for the 3rd consecutive year until a pandemic hit.
Then, the NHL decided to adjust and open the playoffs to a 24-team tournament. Elliotte Friedman called this right from the beginning that one of the main reasons for this was to get Chicago and Montreal involved due to their fanbase, Original 6 history, and, of course, TV ratings.
I'll admit, I didn't think the return-to-play strategy was going to work. Not because it was a sound plan, but just due to the destructive path that COVID-19 was leaving across the entire planet. I was wrong, it's working and working really well – stick tap to you NHL.
What did we all benefit from this? We got 9 bonus hockey games from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Originally, I was so torn because I really wanted that #1 overall draft pick. Now that we know that they wouldn't have been awarded the pick, the experience was well worth going from 10th overall to 17th (possibly 16th if MTL advances).
I wrote all about this in detail in a blog on on August 7th after 3 play-in games and called it Future vs. Swagger.
I won't get into my detailed thoughts on what the Hawks should do this offseason. I just wanted to appreciate what we watched over those last 9 games.
For me, I witnessed a Blackhawks team that is closer to being an annual playoff team (not contender) than I thought.
Yes, they have holes and those will need to be addressed in the offseason by Stan Bowman (or whoever is the GM).
I saw a relentless team with a never-say-die attitude. I actually think this is their new identity. A team with a blend of old and new talent that just won't quit.
I would be ok with that M.O. for this team mostly because it's something I can get behind and also put my thumb on. It's time to retire the "One Goal" and high-flying fancy Hawks. They aren't that team anymore and that's fine. It's ok to be something else. They just need to all be on the same path and that path must lead to success.
In terms of the game last night, I thought it was a strong effort by the Hawks but this headline from Sportsnet (via @SportsnetSpec) pretty much sums up the game and the series:
@Sportsnet
The @NHLBlackhawks were simply too small and not deep enough to handle what the @GoldenKnights brought to the table in their first-round playoff series.
(Via @SportsnetSpec)
It's hard to argue that the Hawks need some more size and depth to compete with the likes of the Golden Knights. I hope this is on the shopping list for Stan.
In fairness to him, I think he tried to address the size thing with the addition of guys like de Haan, Maatta, Zack Smith, and Andrew Shaw.
Shaw would have been a big help vs. Vegas had he been healthy.
Heck, I know he's not everyone's favourite but Zack Smith would have proven to be a valuable asset throughout the playoffs.
Smith has some experience with 45 playoff games where he's averaged 13+ mins/game, 50.2% FO%, and 2.5 hits per game.
Instead, we got John Quenneville. Listen, I thought Quenneville played well last night. He was throwing his body around and he made some key defensive plays. I don't think he should have played as much as he did, however, he was more useful than Nylander in a physical series like that.
Crawford did what he could but could only do so much.
The entire team looked like they hit a wall, especially after Tuch scored in the 3rd period to go-ahead 4-3. They looked deflated and completely gassed. And I don't blame them, I was tired watching them trying to catch Vegas over 5 games.
All in all, a great experience, and like I said, I'll take that even if CHI drops 7 picks in the draft. They will still get a nice piece to their future puzzle there.
I'll have more in-depth coverage of players and what the future may hold but wanted to get this blog out first.
Thanks for the unexpected "run" Blackhawks of Chicago. It gave us all something to do during a summer of isolation.
--
Lastly, I think this is a perfect time for a
MAILBAG blog. I'll publish it on Friday.
Send in your questions in a private message on here (so I don't miss them) or DM me on Twitter (@TylerTyping).
Looking forward to answering a lot of questions like:
* Will the Hawks bring back Corey Crawford?
* How much is Dylan Strome worth?
* Does Coach Colliton have a pulse?
… etc.
--
Stay safe and see ya out there!
TC
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»