Chicago Blackhawks finally reach their home opener vs Detroit

The Chicago Blackhawks probably didn’t expect to come home from Florida with a record of 0-3-1 but that is the reality of it.

They gave up five goals a game in each of the four games which is a testament to their roster. It is one of the worst rosters that the team has ever iced with little to be excited about. They might not have expected a record like this but we did. With goaltending like that and depth as weak as it is, you can’t expect the team to be very good.

Now, they have a chance to finally get in the win column on home ice. The Detroit Red Wings are in town to take on the Hawks at the United Center. This is the longest rivalry in the history of either team and one of the three longest in the entire National Hockey League. They are also the other team in the division that isn’t that good on paper compared to the rest of the group. Going into the season, many predicted that Chicago and Detroit would finish at the bottom of the Central.

Just because Detroit is the “other weak team” in the division doesn’t mean that the Blackhawks are a lock to win. Detroit was one of the worst teams in NHL history last season but they look much more improved this year. Some of their young studs are starting to come up and make an impact and it shows on the ice.

They are not going to be a playoff team but development is key for them this year. They are 2-2-0 which shows they have been able to stay in and win a few games so far. However, this is an opportunity for the Blackhawks to finally win a game. Detroit has good forwards and they work hard but the Hawks could figure out a way to win.

The Chicago Blackhawks have a few things they can do to win the game.

The Patrick Kane line with Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat have had a couple of nice moments this season so far. They can create offense when the situation is perfect. Strome and DeBrincat have good chemistry going back to their junior days and Patrick Kane is still one of the 10-best forwards in the NHL. They do need things to go well on the rush to have a lot of success because neither of them is a “grind for the puck” kind of guy. If they have a great game, they can beat the Wings.

The goaltending and team defense need to be better. They have given up exactly five goals in all four games that they have played so far this year. We don’t know for sure if it will be Malcolm Subban, Collin Delia, or Kevin Lankinen but whoever gets tapped needs to play well. It is a tough task with the team in front of them but that is the deal this year.

The last thing to consider is the Red Wings top players. Guys like Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Bobby Ryan, and Anthony Mantha are off to good starts this year and are going to be looking to keep it going. If the Hawks figure out a way to keep them at bay, there is a chance that they win the game. It is not going to be a playoff year for Chicago but they desperately need to get that first win of the season.