Blackhawks: Win over Washington Capitals is impressive

The Chicago Blackhawks east coast road trip opened up with a game in the nation’s capital that went to a shootout. The Derek King era in the Windy City has had its highs and lows but has been trending lower as of recent. Struggling to win close hockey games, the Hawks have needed a resurgence and will need a heat-up quick to begin the uptrend.

The USA trio, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Seth Jones have been a hot group as of late. DeBrincat and Kane have been connecting when it matters most in overtime to put away hockey games and claim the much-needed extra point when it comes to the playoff push.

If the Hawks want any chance at contending when it will matter the most, they need hot performances from more than just the USA trio. Dominik Kubalik and Kirby Dach have been quiet as of late just like Captain Serious, Jonathan Toews.

Kubalik and Dach were able to notch points in Thursday’s tilt with the Capitals, all while Marc Andre-Fleury played another standout game. The Flower was a brick wall in the net when it mattered most. He has been playing in a way that the Hawks have needed him to after his bad start to the season.

The Chicago Blackhawks had a huge win over the Washington Capitals on Thursday.

The Hawks now shift to New York to take on the Rangers and Islanders. As the season drags on and the New Year gets closer, the races for both the division and the Wild Card are beginning to tighten. Mediocre hockey won’t cut it.

The head coach and general manager searches for the club will become ever more prominent in conversation and importance. Many head coaching candidates are available but the name chosen to stand behind the bench will hold significant strength as the Blackhawks endure the rebuild.

The general manager position is a must fill as well. The leaders in the front office have needed a rework for the longest time. Now that Stan Bowman was essentially forced to resign and vacate the office, the new GM will slot in at a time when they are needed the most, stopping talent from leaving, and impacting the team’s morale in a positive way as the times get tougher.