Chicago Blackhawks: 2018-19 season preview, predictions
After a rude awakening last season, can the Chicago Blackhawks bounce back and make the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks fell apart after the injury to goaltender Corey Crawford. He got injured on Dec. 23 and didn’t play again for the rest of the season. At that point, the Blackhawks were 17-14-5 and very much still in the playoff race.
After Crawford’s injury, they went 16-25-5. Their franchise goaltender masked a lot of their issues. And, obviously, not having a capable backup for Crawford hurt as well. The Blackhawks, for the first time in a decade, didn’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Chicago decided not to make any significant changes this summer, opting to keep both general manager Stan Bowman and head coach Joel Quenneville. Brandon Saad entered the offseason in trade rumors but wound up sticking around.
With so much on the line this season for the Blackhawks, another season without the postseason will likely not be tolerated. Perhaps no team is more under pressure this season than the Hawks.
Offseason Review
Additions: D Brandon Manning, F Chris Kunitz, G Cam Ward, D Brandon Davidson (PTO), C Marcus Kruger
The Blackhawks defense was horrendous last season. They didn’t do much to address those issues this summer, as Manning and Davidson are nothing to write home about. The addition of 2017 first-round pick Henri Jokiharju could give the Blackhawks the boost they need. However, their blueline is still a major issue.
Adding Kunitz helps the Blackhawks make up for losing Vinnie Hinostroza, who was a part of the trade that sent Marian Hossa‘s deal to the Arizona Coyotes. Still, he’s a fourth-line forward at best and adding him doesn’t really add much to an already unimpressive bottom six.
The Blackhawks learned their lesson last season, as they signed Ward to a one-year deal. He’s not that good anymore, but at least he has NHL experience. That’s an upgrade over what they had last season.