Reasons for optimism as the Chicago Blackhawks head for Edmonton

Even if the Chicago Blackhawks didn’t have the best regular season, there are still reasons to get behind the team.

It’s easy to cheer for an early exit when the Chicago Blackhawks take on Oilers, but there are still reasons to keep hope.

First of all, there are still members of the team who have gone the distance, and know what is needed. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Corey Crawford are already Stanley Cup Champions, and more than once.

Also, Toews, Kane, and Keith have all won the Conn Smythe Trophy. That’s right, Chicago will be lead by three players who led the postseason three different times the Blackhawks raised the Cup.

Second, key players are healthy. Calvin de Haan who was playing extremely well before his injury is back with the team, this season! It wasn’t supposed to happen that way, but he’ll have a chance to help his team win the Cup, and they’ll need him.

Additionally, Adam Boqvist, Lucas Carlsson, and Drake Caggiula have also had time to recover from various problems they’ve had. In the postseason, it is essential to have a deep team, and having those three back will help immensely.

This isn’t the only injury story though.

Underperforming Brent Seabrook will not be joining the team. While some people might be disappointed such a respected figure won’t be with the rest of the players, don’t worry, he’ll be back next year. He’s coming off multiple surgeries, but he has insisted he’s still got a lot to give.

One of Chicago’s star rookies, Kirby Dach, turned heads by looking like he was already taking steps towards becoming a better player. This is only a positive thing for Chicago.

Finally, the team is as ready as any other. No one has an edge right now, and every team is somewhat groggily making their way back into being game fit for matches that actually count.

This whole ordeal is a new experience, and it won’t really matter if Edmonton has a “home-ice” advantage because their fans will be doing the same thing every other team’s fans are doing, warming a recliner at home.

Without fans, it’s just a rink, and the best team will be the one that carries on. With the confidence boost of Corey Crawford returning to the ice, the Chicago Blackhawks are as ready as they are going to be. It should be enough.