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Chicago Blackhawks: Look Ahead to the Upcoming Week and Beyond

By Josh Marshall

Mar 4, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) looks to pass the puck during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Blackhawks won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) looks to pass the puck during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Blackhawks won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Blackhawks held on to a 5-3 victory over Nashville on Saturday night, and are now off for a bit of a break. So what’s on tap for the Hawks and how are injuries panning out?

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off of their best 10 game span in recent history, going 9-1 in their last ten. The Hawks also saw themselves in first place in the Central Division, although it was for a very short period. Currently, the Hawks are one point behind Minnesota and have 17 games remaining before playoff time.

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Minnesota has an advantage as they have 19 games remaining and a one-point lead in the division. The Blackhawks still have a very good chance of winning the division. However, they will have to continue to play well and maybe some help from other teams beating Minnesota. Chicago and Minnesota have one more matchup remaining at the United Center on Mach 12th. Coming out of that game with two points is almost a must if the Hawks want to win their division.

Chicago and Minnesota have one more matchup remaining at the United Center on Mach 12th. Coming out of that game with two points is almost a must if the Hawks want to win their division.

Chicago won’t hit the ice again until Thursday night when they play the Anaheim Ducks at home. The last time the Hawks came off long rest, they lost at home to Edmonton, which ironically is the last loss they have suffered. I look for Chicago to come out swinging and putting on a good show for the home crowd.

Recent Injuries

Perhaps the biggest advantage of this long break between games is the Hawks being able to recover from injuries suffered in recent weeks. Niklas Hjalmarsson has been out, but he is expected to be back in action Thursday night when he will pair up on defense with a familiar face and newly acquired Johnny Oduya.

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Hjalmarsson and Oduya were paired together during Oduya’s first stint in Chicago. Oduya is coming back from injury as well so these extra days off could pay dividends when it comes to Chicago’s defensemen.

Goalie Scott Darling also suffered an injury during practice last week and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks. Corey Crawford is back from an illness and will hold down the fort. Although Darling is the backup goaltender he has had a huge year thus far for the Hawks and his absence will be noticed if Crawford struggles during this key stretch of games.

Nick Schmaltz and Artem Anisimov have also dealt with injuries, but both are expected back in the lineup come Thursday night.

Lineup Changes

With Oduya coming back to Chicago, there are a whole new set of defensive pairings available. As I said before, it looks like Oduya will join Hjalmarsson on defense. That means that old linemates Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will be reunited after almost two full seasons of being split apart. Keith and Seabrook are the heart of the Chicago Blackhawks defense and Hawk fans will be more than excited to see them back together.

What’s on Tap

After four games off the Blackhawks will finish March with 13 games in 23 days. Here are some key matchups to look forward too.

  1. March 9th- Chicago vs Anaheim
  2. March 10th Chicago at Detroit
  3. March 12th Chicago vs Minnesota
  4. March 14th Chicago at Montreal
  5. March 21st Chicago vs Vancouver
  6. March 27th Chicago at Tampa Bay
  7. March 29th Chicago at Pittsburgh
  8. March 31st Chicago vs Columbus

Chicago has some tough matchups coming up in the next few weeks. If they can continue to play like they have for the past month and a half this schedule will be a walk in the park, however, it is the NHL and things can change on a daily basis.

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I personally can see the Hawks going 10-3 during their next 13 games. But it will take a lot of hard work and great goaltending. The Chicago Blackhawks need Crawford to find his playoff form now more than ever.

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