Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- A Great Decade

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The Chicago Blackhawks take the ice tonight against the Minnesota Wild in their first Central Division matchup, but it’s fun to think how great the past decade has been for the Chicago Blackhawks and their fans! 

The other day was the 10 year anniversary of the Jonathan Toews/Patrick Kane era, and it really has been a Great Decade.

If you have forgotten, and I’m sure you haven’t Toews did score in his first NHL game.

Toews was handed the Captaincy of the Blackhawk the following summer, and since then the Chicago Blackhawks haven’t missed the playoffs.

Of course, the best part of the last decade has been the three Stanley Cup banners that have been raised to the United Center rafters during this era.  All three are special in their own ways, but that first one was a big surprise in only their third NHL season, but it ended a 49 year drought that all Blackhawks fans were happy to see finally be erased.

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There also has been quite a few awards in the past decade.  Kane won the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the year following the 2008 season, and he won the Hart Trophy for League MVP following the 2016 season.  Duncan Keith won two Norris Trophies in 2010 and 2015, and Jonathan Toews won a Selke Trophy in 2013.  Those three also all won Conn Smythe Awards after the Hawks three Cup wins.

What a difference a decade makes! I’m positive nobody wishes the 1998-2006 era ever again, and hope that Stan Bowman continues to build a sustainable franchise for years to come!

Here are some morning links to start your Thursday Gameday! 

Here are some game notes for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild (Blackhawks)

Connor Murphy‘s Scratch in Montreal shows a new dynamic (Tribune)

Brandon Pirri is back in Chicago playing hockey…. for the Wolves (Sun-Times)

3 Things to watch for during the Wild’s visit to Chicago (CSN)

If you missed it, the ceremony for the Vegas home opener was very touching (Bleacher Report)

The Nashville Predators comeback win versus Philly gave Smashville fans all the feels (On The Forecheck)

The Minnesota Wild look to be tweaking their lineup for tonight’s contest (Star Tribune)

Why do the Winnipeg Jets need to prove that they are on the way up (Sportsnet)

The Washington Capitals didn’t get any revenge on Wednesday night (Pro Hockey Talk)

Next: Blackhawks Progress Report After 4 Games

The St. Louis Blues have faced adversity with nothing but victories (Sporting News)