Halloween is over. The vacation carols are going to begin shortly and the NHL season goes to begin heating up. All people has heard the stat a couple of workforce’s playoff likelihood if they’re on the best facet of the road by American Thanksgiving.
Effectively, we’re formally in November and the Blackhawks are within the worst doable place. They enter play this month in thirty second place out of 32 groups. The San Jose Sharks jumped them with their head-to-head victory on Thursday night time.
Ultimate: San Jose 3, Chicago 2
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 1, 2024
The Hawks are 3-7-1 with seven standings factors. The Nashville Predators even have 7 factors however they’re in thirtieth place as a result of they’ve a sport in hand and have crushed the Hawks already.
Though the Blackhawks haven’t any critical playoff aspirations, they definitely did not envision being this unhealthy out of the gate. They made some good strikes in the course of the low season however it wasn’t sufficient to assist them win extra video games in October.
They’ll solely go up from right here. Crucial factor is growing younger gamers and it begins with Connor Bedard. The younger heart comes into November as Chicago’s main scorer. He has three objectives and 6 assists for 9 factors in 11 video games.
There’s extra for Connor Bedard to offer however he’s a really younger participant making an attempt to grow to be a famous person. He’s a sophomore NHL participant coming off a Calder Trophy-winning season so he’ll be simply advantageous.
There are additionally different younger gamers to control within the group. Guys like Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, Nolan Allen, Ethan Del Mastro, and Colton Dach are a number of examples of fine younger gamers already taking part in professional hockey. A few of them will even see the NHL at occasions this yr in the event that they have not already.
There are additionally a number of gamers outdoors of professional hockey (NCAA, Main Junior) to be enthusiastic about. Chicago has the number-one ranked farm system for a motive.
Chicago’s division will not make this season any simpler. The Nashville Predators had probably the most thrilling low season with additions like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei so it’s unlikely that they keep this far below.
With that in thoughts, there is not one other Central Division workforce even near Chicago on the backside. Even when they keep away from the thirty second place within the league, it is going to be exhausting to remain out of the basement of their division.
If the Hawks do not need to be the worst workforce within the league, they should have a great November. It begins on Saturday afternoon after they tackle the Los Angeles Kings. They are going to then conclude their keep in California on Sunday night time after they go to the Anaheim Geese.
They are going to then lastly return residence to the United Heart the place Patrick Kane and the Detroit Pink Wings will await them. That will probably be an emotional sport for a couple of motive.
Different opponents this month embrace the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
It is a robust spot to be in with all these good groups awaiting to play you however they must discover ways to battle adversity. This is not a ability that comes with out growth as a company.
With veterans like Nick Foligno, Taylor Corridor, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Seth Jones amongst others within the room, they’ve what they should get a number of victories within the coming weeks.
By the tip of this month, they may really feel significantly better about themselves in the event that they discover methods to win a number of video games and enhance the method wherein they win.
Go to The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks workforce website to remain up to date on the latest news, game-day protection, player features, and extra.
Related: Blackhawks’ Bertuzzi Needs to Be Better
Related: Sharks Get Halloween Revenge On Blackhawks This Time Around