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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Mar 7, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; St Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko (91) congratulates goalie Jake Allen (34) after the game against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The St Louis Blues beat the Minnesota Wild 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: St. Louis Blues

Yes, the Blues are having a down year after losing their head coach, seeing Robby Fabbri out for the season with a torn ACL and watching Jake Allen struggle to keep the puck out of the net. But anytime two rivals get on the ice together for a playoff series, anything goes.

The Blues’ defensive core is still deep after parting ways with Kevin Shattenkirk, and Blackhawks killer Vladimir Tarasenko is always a threat to score goals. Tarasenko almost single-handedly knocked out the ’Hawks last year in the playoffs.

A lot of ’Hawks fans want to face the Blues in the first round over the Predators, but they need to be careful of what they wish for. Playing at the Scottrade Center isn’t easy, and boy would the Blues love to knock the ’Hawks out again with nothing to lose this time.