Chicago Blackhawks Are Looking Like Cup Favorites
By Justin White
Dec 3, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Patrick Sharp (10) is congratulated by center Andrew Shaw (65) and center Jonathan Toews (19) and right wing Patrick Kane (88) for scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Blackhawks are back in business and are a force to be reckoned with in the NHL Playoffs. Patrick Kane suffered an upper body injury on February 24th and the team was unsure when Kane would return. Making a long story short, Kane returned from injury in time for the first round of the playoffs and quickly was able to regain his form.
Kane has eight points in seven playoff games and averages over twenty minutes of ice time per game. Whether it is at even strength or on the power play, Kane has made a positive impact earlier than many expected.
Alongside Kane are tremendous forwards such as Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp. These players have an abundance of playoff experience and appear to be ready to lead the Blackhawks to another Stanley Cup. Toews, like Kane, has 8 points while Hossa and Sharp each have 6.
On the back end Duncan Keith is looking like a Norris Trophy caliber defenseman and is leading the team with nine points. Keith scored two clutch goals in the first round and his strong defensive play will continue to help the Hawks against a Wild team that has not experienced as much playoff success.
The experience of the aforementioned players will play a key factor in the Blackhawks quest to win another Cup. The Blackhawks are constructed to win for many years due to the fact that they held top picks and were able to draft Kane and Toews.
The Blackhawks also have a tremendous supporting cast. Players such as Andrew Shaw and Brandon Saad have scored big goals for the Blackhawks in previous playoff runs and have continued to contribute in these playoffs.
Despite surrendering a three goal lead in Game one against the Wild the Hawks were able to regain the lead and hung on to win 4-3. The winning goal was scored by rookie Teuvo Teravainen on a pass from Patrick Sharp. Playing younger players with an established player like Sharp is providing instant benefit to the team but will also help the Blackhawks moving forward.
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Despite being replaced by Scott Darling in the first round, Corey Crawford has found his way back between the pipes and made thirty saves in the game one win. Crawford has won a Stanley Cup before and has proven he has what it takes to succeed in the playoffs.
The Minnesota Wild are a solid, gritty and physical team. However, the Blackhawks are too strong to overcome. The Hawks are an excellent puck possession team and this leads to a large number of scoring chances. Proven playoff performers and an excellent supporting cast make the Blackhawks favorites to win the Western Conference, and perhaps hoist another Stanley Cup.