Chicago Blackhawks Over/Under Preview-Duncan Keith

April 14, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman

(2) in game two of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals at Jobing.com Arena. The Blackhawks beat the Coyotes 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Duncan Keith didn’t have his best season last year and our year end grades proved it.  The 2010 Norris Trophy winner for best defenseman in the NHL, Keith has never regained the fom he displayed in the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup season.  Keith did right the ship ending last season with a +15 for the season.

Keith may never be elite again, but he can still be very good on a nightly basis while chewing up a lot of ice time. Where Keith really needs to regain form is on special teams.  Far too many shots blocked from the point on one of the worse power play units in the NHL.  Keith always is on point but he always seems to be making the wrong choice from holding the puck too long, getting the shot blocked, or simply turning the puck over.  This unit which is really stacked with talent has to be better at the power play or this season will not be as successful as everyone is hoping for.

The other end of special teams has to improve also, the unit ranked 27th on the penalty kill, but that was always over shadowed by the disastrous power play. Keith and company have to improve at clearing the puck and killing penalties which will be extremely important during the numerous road games in the first 12 games of the season.

The over/under is set for Keith at 2 goals 29 assists and a +/- +17. What is your prediction for Keith this season?

Let’s Go Blackhawks!

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