This former Chicago Blackhawks star is scoring big playoff goals too

The Chicago Blackhawks and Duncan Keith had a lot of great times together. Stanley Cups, Conn Smyth Trophies, and Norris Trophies will always highlight him during his time in the Windy City. He is the greatest defenseman in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise and it’s not close.

Unfortunately, the business of the game forced Keith to finish his career outside of the place where he made so many memories and was a part of so many great moments. The Blackhawks traded him to the Edmonton Oilers last offseason.

He isn’t the same Norris Trophy-winning defenseman anymore you can’t expect that from a 38-year-old. During the 2021-22 regular season he scored one goal and had 20 assists for 21 points in 64 games played. That is not bad for a depth defenseman at all.

Plus/minus is a bad hockey stat but Keith was a +15 this season which is a major makeover from his -13 in 2020-21 on an abysmal Blackhawks team. He fit in perfectly on that team that likes to play a run and gun offensive style.

The Chicago Blackhawks will always remember Duncan Keith as a player.

Edmonton is battling the Calgary Flames in the Battle of Alberta. This is the second round so winning this series would get Keith and the Oilers into the Western Conference Finals which is somewhere Keith was used to playing with the Blackhawks.

Keith scored his first of the playoffs on Friday night in game two which started a comeback for the Oilers. They ended up defeating the Flames after coming back and tying the series at one. This series is far from over and it is probably going to end up being the best in the playoffs.

His goal was the result of a brilliant play made by Connor McDavid. That guy is as talented as any player who ever laced up for an NHL game. Leon Draisaitl, another top-five player, had the secondary assist so you know that Keith is in a good situation. He also added in two assists so he had a magnificent three-point day.

He isn’t relied on for offense as much as he once was but providing it gives the Oilers an even better chance. When McDavid and Draisaitl are the ones you are passing the puck to or accepting passes from, you are going to have a good time more often than not.

It would be nice to see Keith advance into the Conference Finals. Few players ever win three Stanley Cups let alone four and that is on the line for him. He brought a little bit of playoff experience to this Oilers team and now they are reaping the benefits. His time in Chicago will never be forgotten.