Chicago Blackhawks: Preseason begins a really important stretch

The Chicago Blackhawks are about to begin their preseason. For a team looking to get back to the playoffs, it all starts here.

The Chicago Blackhawks get their preseason underway tonight when they pay a visit to the Washington Capitals in our nation’s capital. The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs for the last two seasons and for that reason, they need to play well in the preseason to get in good habits and create momentum as they get ready for the 82 game schedule. It is never easy in the National Hockey League so if you are in midseason form from the start you are already ahead.

In the first few days of training camp, there are some things of note to think about as the preseason begins. There have been some injuries to report early on like Kirby Dach, Adam Boqvist, and Calvin de Haan. de Haan and Dach are both out of the lineup but it appears that Boqvist is okay. You always want to begin the year with everyone healthy so it is important to the coaching and training staff to make sure everyone is healthy and rested.

It feels like this is a team that is confident, yet motivated. Jonathan Toews was asked about being off the top-20 center’s list and he was not happy about it. He admitted that he wouldn’t care too much about it if he was near the top of the list but he definitely doesn’t like being left off or recognized. Patrick Kane also made some comments about the team’s chances and being able to compete. If you are not confident in your own abilities, who will be?

This preseason will end in Europe which also makes it that much more important to get into good habits. The regular season will begin in Europe against the Philadelphia Flyers as well so they are going to be a little behind everybody else as far as getting their home opener out of the way. Having a great camp and preseason might make it easier for the team to have success in these situations.

That means correcting the defensive deficiencies from 2018-19 have to be addressed and in his first training camp as head coach, that is what Jeremy Colliton is working on. They also need to make sure the new players are comfortable and ready to go. It has been a long time since the Blackhawks have played a hockey game and it is officially back. This is the time of year where everybody has a chance, so be excited about what the Blackhawks might be able to do this year.