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Chicago Blackhawks Joel Quenneville Loves Winning

By Juliana Nikac

Jan 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville looks on from behind the bench against the Washington Capitals in the second period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville looks on from behind the bench against the Washington Capitals in the second period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kimmo Timonen hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kimmo Timonen hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Success in the Playoffs

The Chicago Blackhawks currently have the 3rd longest playoff streak in the NHL, and will most likely extend it to 10 seasons this year. They’ve made the conference final five times. Out of those five conference finals, the Hawks have made the Stanley Cup Final three times. All three times they’ve made the final, they won the whole thing. And in a Western Conference that’s been extremely competitive, the Hawks are right up there with the best of the best.

Quenneville plays a huge role in the Blackhawks’ playoff success. He knows how to use his key players, and make stars out of those who maybe aren’t. His teams are always strong, but fast. Their ability to score goals, normally from the likes of Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, is quite possibly their strength. Goaltending has also played a huge factor in the success, as well. Corey Crawford can shut down games in the playoffs, and the duo of him and Scott Darling is far and away one of the best in the league.

The Blackhawks normally make moves at the trade deadline, but they’re usually only depth acquisitions, or “just in case” moves. General Manager Stan Bowman knows Q can make use of whatever he’s given, and put the best lineup out on the ice night after night. The Blackhawks are deep with playoff performers. Captain Jonathan Toews has 108 points (39 goals, 69 assists), in 124 playoff games. Marian Hossa ranks 28th all time in playoff points (149). Patrick Kane has 121 points (49 goals, 72 assists) in 123 playoff games. And those are just a few of the many players that helped lead the Hawks to three Stanley Cups.

Q’s ability to utilize his players, and make them play to the best of their ability is unlike any other coach in the NHL. They thrive and shine while playing for him. It’s something you don’t notice very often with other head coaches in the league.

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