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Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links: ‘Hawks’ Powerplay Woes Clear

By Aaron Goldschmidt

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 9: Nick Schmaltz #8 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his second period power-play goal against the Ottawa Senators with teammates Jonathan Toews #19 and Patrick Sharp #10 at Canadian Tire Centre on January 9, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 9: Nick Schmaltz #8 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his second period power-play goal against the Ottawa Senators with teammates Jonathan Toews #19 and Patrick Sharp #10 at Canadian Tire Centre on January 9, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Blackhawks’ powerplay has a long way to go compared to the Tampa Bay Lightning

The playoffs are a different kind of game entirely, in whatever sport you’re playing.  In baseball, that one curveball that you hung over the plate by accident can be the difference between winning and losing.  The same goes for hockey.  A small turnover can lead to a deadly goal, so it doesn’t take much.

Watching the Tampa Bay Lightning run their powerplay Tuesday night makes you realize everything the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t doing.  Every player is constantly moving, guys are making no-look passes with confidence and everybody is ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.

The reason the ‘Hawks were 29th in the league is because they made too many passes and just stood around waiting for the puck to go into the net on its own.  With the level of skill the Blackhawks have on their roster, there is no excuse to not be making teams pay after being penalized.

With Nick Schmaltz and Alex DeBrincat making big strides in their development, there are a lot of players who should be very successful on special teams next season.  We all know the ‘Hawks like getting the pretty goals, but something has to change.

It’s not exactly the same being in the 300 Level and on the ice, but it’s sometimes clear when you need to puck the puck on net from everywhere in the stadium.

In other NHL news, it was recently announced the Carolina Hurricanes would listen to offers on any player on the roster except for Sebastian Aho.  In this case, the Blackhawks may want to consider calling new GM Rod Brind’Amour about some of their young defensemen, or maybe former Blackhawk Teuvo Teravainen.

The ‘Hawks have some draft picks and a lot of prospects in the AHL right now, it’s possible they are in position to make a deal.

In Blackhawks news, Marian Hossa put his downtown condo on the market for $4.5 million.  Also, Patrick Kane set a record in the IIHF tournament for points and assists.  Team USA will play the Czech Republic Thursday at 9:15 a.m. CT in the quarterfinals.

And finally, take it for what it is, but there are some rumors that the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Jonathan Toews.  Now, we experienced a significant amount of a season without Corey Crawford and just can’t imagine that with Toews.  If these rumors are true, it would signify a complete teardown.

Happy Wednesday!

-Blackhawk Up

Next: Central Division Gets Tougher For Blackhawks

Morning links

  • What to do with Connor Murphy going forward – The Athletic
  • Patrick Kane scores, but U.S. falls to Finland – Chicago Tribune
  • Next goal for women’s hockey?  One united pro league – New York Times
  • Gay hockey ref finds acceptance coming out – USA Today
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