The Chicago Blackhawks have lost eight of their last 10 games. After losing 6-3 last night at home against the Rangers, it’s fair to say it’s over.
After a lot of ups and downs, the Chicago Blackhawks have officially nailed the last nail in the coffin of belief for me. Two weeks ago, I would have said they’ll make the playoffs. Today, I am just hoping they’ll get a top draft pick.
The Rangers aren’t a bad hockey team but this was a winnable game. It was the first game on in two weeks and they embarrassed themselves. During the first two periods, it was neck and neck. There was a belief that the game could go either way. It changed quickly in the third period.
Once the Rangers scored their third goal, it seemed over. Both teams were trading quick goals but it was New York who kept scoring in bunches. They’re keeping their playoff hopes alive, as the Blackhawks have almost promised they won’t be anywhere near the playoffs this April.
Just like last season, I’m now looking towards the draft. Of course, I will continue to watch the Blackhawks. I want them to win out and make the playoffs. I’m just being realistic.
It’s not mathematically over yet, they still have a shot. It’s under a 10 percent chance at this point though. It’s just been a rough year for Chicago sports. It’ll be the first time in a long time no Chicago sports team made the playoffs in an entire year.
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The teams that missed were the 2019 Bears, the 2019 Cubs, the 2019 White Sox, the 2019-20 Bulls (they’ll miss it), and now the 2019-20 Blackhawks (most-likely).
I believe if I write them off, they’ll go on a crazy run and make me regret saying the season is over. It’s just hard to believe, after how poorly they’ve played during the last three seasons, that they’ll go on a big run.
In 2017, they won 18 of 22 games during a late stretch to clinch the first seed in the west. Since then, they haven’t touched playoff hockey. With 22 games left, they’ll need a run like that. If they can make a run like that, I’ll be the first to say I was wrong. Until then, I’ll depressingly watch the Blackhawks lose games.
They play again Friday against the Predators. A rivalry game always excites the fans, this one will too. If they’re going to go on a run, it would have started against the Rangers. If they want to make up for it, it happens Friday.