The Chicago Blackhawks ended last season with no post-season games for the second time since Kane and Toews have been on the team they did not make playoffs.
The Hawks have already played three regular season games and so far the future looks promising. All three games have gone into a nerve-wracking overtime. With two wins and one overtime loss, the Hawks have begun their season with 5 points. Out of the nine goals the team has Toews and Kane have five of them proving that they're not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, Toews had a hat trick with his overtime game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues.
This is promising for the beginning of the season as last year's performance was disappointing, to say the least. It seems the team is finding their flow again with the loss of some of the key players including Corey Crawford who has still not played following his concussion from last season.
Currently in net is Cam Ward who was signed for a one-year contract over the summer. Crawford has been making progress as he has been cleared for practice but still no word on when fans can expect his return. In my personal opinion, Ward has not been playing to par as he let in 7 goals in the home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
If the Hawks stand any chance at a comeback run they need to strengthen their goalie situation as well as preventing games from going into overtime. It's a long season to play and over time will get tiring quickly especially beginning the season as they have.
Many fans including Steven Panicko say "...I think we're gonna have a good season. I'm feeling optimistic that we'll make playoffs and Crawford will come back and have an impact."
Although most will say the goalie situation has been frustrating as it seems the Hawks have not been able to find a good fit following Crawford's injury. Rumors have been circulating about trading Anton Forsburg the current backup. However, Coach Joel Quenneville has said that he does not plan to have three goalies on the roster leaving a lot of questions as to what happens when Crawford is back.
It's also scary for fans as Crawford has not been in net for almost a year leading questions as to how he'll perform when he is cleared to play. This season the Hawks are honoring the late Stan Mikita by wearing patches with the number 21 and hopefully bringing home a cup for him.
