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Chicago Blackhawks: How is Team So Successful?

By Zachary Leslie

Mar 14, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (19) reacts with teammates including Patrick Kane (88) and Artemi Panarin (72) after scoring an empty net goal during the third period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (19) reacts with teammates including Patrick Kane (88) and Artemi Panarin (72) after scoring an empty net goal during the third period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Blackhawks are the oldest team in hockey, yet they sit three points ahead of the Wild for first place.

What are the Chicago Blackhawks doing to continue their winning ways? Now I know that statement sounds ludicrous to most because this team features Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Marian Hossa, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Artemi Panarin, Artem Anisimov, Corey Crawford and even Scott Darling.

Those names alone might be the answer to which I am asking this question, but there are way more guys on this team that must show up night in and night out for this team to be successful.

When you take a look at the second-tier players on this team (the nonstars), you see a lot of nobodies. Richard Panik, Ryan Hartman, Nick Schmaltz, Tanner Kero, Trevor vanRiemsdyk, Marcus Kruger, Dennis Rasmussen, Tomas Jurco and Vinnie Hinostroza are among the players who fill up the rest of the starting lineup.

Those guys are not big names and some of them play on the top line with Jonathan Toews. Panik and Schmaltz have often been put on that first line and they have done very well. The Blackhawks have gotten consistent contribution from all of these guys. Players want a shot playing time, and the Blackhawks are giving it to plenty of people.

On paper, these names still should not work. Most of those guys are recent minor league players or rookies. The Blackhawks do not have high draft picks as they win year in and year out, so how are they finding talent and using it? Well, they are making smart picks and pairing them up with the leaders on the team.

Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov both played with Kane last year. Richard Panik, Ryan Hartman, and Nick Schmaltz have all played with Toews this season, and they have benefited greatly. Tanner Kero and Vinnie Hinostroza have both played with Hossa all year. I am positive these guys have learned a ton and love playing with the stars of the NHL.

Next: Comparing Success of Two Chicago Powerhouses

This brings me to my main point. This is the oldest team in hockey with some great young pieces. The Blackhawks have veteran superstars mixed in with young up-and-comers. Most of the veteran players on this team have won at least one Stanley Cup. The young guys want to keep the success rolling, and having veterans playing with these guys will only continue the success.

Until Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook retire, the Chicago Blackhawks will not stop winning. The Blackhawks will continue to develop young players who will gain experience and probably win them a Stanley Cup. Don’t forget, Alex DeBrincat has not even been called up yet.

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