Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- Long Long Summer Ahead

Good Morning Chicago Blackhawks Fans!

The reality sent in when the 2nd round schedule was released yesterday afternoon that the Chicago Blackhawks were actually eliminated from the playoffs, and that this is going to be a long, long summer.  Chicago Blackhawks fans have been spoiled for much of this decade with long runs in the playoffs, but this year wasn’t meant to be which means either watching other teams play in the playoffs or watch some baseball.

One thing I’ve seen on different social media platforms is that in the end the Chicago Blackhawks will be better off getting knocked out early this year because they have played so many games since the lockout ended in January of 2013.  I understand the thought process, but I have to disagree.  You only have a Stanley Cup window open for so long, and you can’t just throw away seasons when Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are in their primes.

The other thing that has to worry you is that the last two years the Chicago Blackhawks have sacrificed 1st round picks for a shot at the Stanley Cup.  Last year it worked out with Antoine Vermette hoisted the Cup, but this year the first round exit stings a little more knowing that Andrew Ladd didn’t hoist the Cup, and he will be gone this summer and the Hawks don’t have a first round selection to boot.

It’s a gamble that the Hawks lost this year.

More from Blackhawks News

• Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
• Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver
• Blackhawks: Why Derek King is the Right Coach moving forward
• Marc-Andre Fleury Carries the Blackhawks to a 4-2 Win vs Seattle
• Instant Reaction: Blackhawks top Kraken for first time in history

Here are some Chicago Blackhawks Morning links to kick off you Wednesday

The Chicago Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues series was 7 great games that were decided by inches which makes it that much more painful if you ask me (Blackhawks)

The St. Louis Blues organist trolled the Chicago Blackhawks by playing Chelsea Dagger during the handshake line (Madhouse Enforcer)

The bounces just didn’t go the Hawks way and now it’s time to look back at what could have been (The Committed Indian)

More from Blackhawk Up

• Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
• Chicago Blackhawks Winning- Temper Those Expectations
• Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver
• Chicago Blackhawks: A Lukas Reichel Promotion is the Long Term Goal
• Blackhawks: Why Derek King is the Right Coach moving forward

A quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues series by the numbers (CSN)

Patrick Kane‘s spectacular season that should end with a Hart Trophy ended with major disappointment (Tribune)

Brayden Schenn was suspended 3 games for charging T.J. Oshie (NHL)

The St. Louis Blues next mission is not to be blinded by the win over the Chicago Blackhawks (Bleedin Blue)

Next: Stan Bowman's Folly

The Chicago Blackhawks will have tough choices this summer with their Salary Cap conundrum (SI)