Chicago Blackhawks’ Biggest Playoff Threats In Western Conference

By Aaron Goldschmidt

Mar 9, 2017

Feb 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; General view of the Stanley Cup on display outside Bridgestone Arena as a part of the NHL Centennial Truck Tour prior to the Nashville Predators game against the Florida Panthers.. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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February 22, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell (67) celebrates with defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47), right wing Corey Perry (10) and left wing Nicolas Kerdiles (58) his goal scored against the Boston Bruins during the second period at Honda Center. Perry provided an assist on the goal. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks seem to be a perennial Stanley Cup contender, but they can’t seem to get put it all together. Ducks fans have been tormented with hope and let down the past few seasons in heartbreaking fashion by their team losing in a Game 7.

John Gibson has been identified as the clear No. 1 goaltender, and new/returning head coach Randy Carlyle highlights the biggest changes for the Ducks this year. Led by the big three of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler, the Ducks could prove that this is their year, but I think there have been better Ducks teams over the past couple years.

Per usual, they will grind out a series with the Sharks or Kings to get out of the Pacific, much like the Blackhawks do with the Blues every year.

I’m not too scared of this team based on the Ducks’ reputation of losing Game 7s and the Blackhawks’ reputation of being about to close out series late.