NHL Division Outlook: Central
Chicago Blackhawks
Feb 5, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center
Jonathan Toews(19) battles for the puck with Anaheim Ducks defenseman
Ben Lovejoy(6) during the third period at the Honda Center. The Blackhawks won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The defending Stanley Cup champions are once again in prime position to earn a high seed going into the Western Conference playoffs.
The Olympic break may also have given Joel Quenneville a chance to hit a minor reset button, as his Blackhawks only won four of their last 10 games going into the break. However, as long as Chicago has Patrick Kane and two-time Olympic gold medalist Jonathan Toews in the lineup, not to mention a supporting cast including fellow Olympians Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Duncan Keith, they will be a tough team to beat come playoff time.
While they currently sit third in the West, winning one or both remaining games against St. Louis would go a long way to making a serious run at the Central Division crown in their final 22 games.
Western Conference Standing: 3rd
Division: 2nd
Record in Last 10 Games: 4-3-3
Top Scorers
- Patrick Kane (59 GP, 27-36-63)
- Patrick Sharp (60 GP, 28-30-58)
- Jonathan Toews (60 GP, 19-36-55)
Top Goaltender: Corey Crawford (42 GP, 22-9-10, 2.35 GAA, .916 SV%, 1 SO)