Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Reasons For Pessimism In 2016-17

By Gail Kauchak

Aug 31, 2016

Apr 25, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Patrik Berglund (21) checks Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 20, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling (33) makes a save with defenseman Erik Gustafsson (52) defending during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center. Minnesota won 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Is the defense really as strong as we think?

I know, I know. I listed the defense as one of the reasons for optimism in my previous post. But I can’t help but be a little concerned that the house of cards could easily topple.

First off, you have Duncan Keith, who has decided to forgo the World Cup in order to continue to rehab his knee. Apparently, the cyborg isn’t indestructible anymore. After all, he is 33 years old. What if he continues to have issues going into the season?

Brian Campbell is supposed to be the missing link, but he’s 37 years old. Can he sustain the kind of play everyone is expecting of him? And then there’s Michal Rozsival, who’s almost 38 years old. Why is he here again?! Oh, right. To be a “veteran presence”, and Coach Q’s crutch. It’s his job to fill in if either Erik Gustafsson or Viktor Svedberg don’t pan out. Neither one showed much promise last season. It would be a huge leap if they did so this year.

Next: Reason No. 4: Coaches Comfort