Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links: Bad Vibes Entering Las Vegas

The Chicago Blackhawks will be in search of their first victory in the last seven games tonight when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights on the road

At the beginning of the season, the idea of the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Arizona Coyotes and Vegas Golden Knights on consecutive nights, even on the road, probably seemed appealing. A good chance for four points at a time when they’re typically at a premium.

Fast forward to the present, and the Blackhawks head to Vegas on a six-game skid after falling 6-1 to the Coyotes on Monday. The Knights, meanwhile, sit on the most points in the Western Conference.

Yes, things can turn on a dime in the NHL. Of course, some expected the Blackhawks to struggle this year. But very few individuals, if any, looked at the expansion Knights and thought, that’s a team that could win a conference.

For Blackhawks fans who think the end is nigh with the team’s struggles, just look to Vegas. A team made up of pieces other squads didn’t really want has mowed its way through all comers. In today’s NHL, parity is key. A club’s fortunes can turn on a dime.

Perhaps that’s why Blackhawks fans are rapidly embracing the idea of a tank job to get a good draft selection in the summer, but I’d contend the Blackhawks have plenty of young pieces they can build around already moving forward. They just need to know how to use them.

Blackhawks-Knights could be seen as an “out with the old, in with the new” type of matchup, but with the Blackhawks actively attempting to get younger, these two squads could be close together in the standings before you know it (just not this season).

Next: Blackhawks Should Rest Crawford For Season

Chicago Blackhawks morning links

— Sounds worse than The People’s Elbow. Chicago Sun-Times

— Stop thinking so much. The Athletic

— Not just the Blackhawks failing. The Rink

— Don’t tell Gary Bettman. Yahoo Sports

— Blackhawks should teach all their guys to do this, obviously. NHL.com