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Chicago Blackhawks immersed in a week of reminders

By Steve Dishon |
Kevin Lankinen #32, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Kevin Lankinen #32, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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Kevin Lankinen #32, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Kevin Lankinen #32, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Going into the week, the Chicago Blackhawks were facing four games in seven days, one against the Stanley Cup Champions, two against the Cup Runners Up, and one against the current Central Division second-place Panthers- a buzzsaw to be sure.

In a rebuilding year, no one expected the Blackhawks to be in the playoff mix. The Blackhawks, however, had other plans. Going into this week, Chicago was in the playoffs. So how did the Blackhawks fare?

Sunday, March 7- Tampa Bay 6 Chicago 3

Tuesday, March 9- Dallas 6 Chicago 1

Thursday, March 11- Chicago 4 Dallas 2

Saturday, March 13- Florida  4 Chicago 2

What was once a promising season has reverted to a more pedestrian rebuild look. A big loss against the champs. Blown out in Dallas. Bounce back game that shows the promise that the young Blackhawks have. Back to normal as the superior Panthers stake claim to the division. The Blackhawks lost three of four and are now on the outside looking in. So, when we look back at the week that was, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane take center stage again.

A message from the Chicago Blackhawks’ captain

The highlight of the week for Blackhawks fans was seeing Chicago’s beloved Captain for the first time this year. Jonathan Toews recorded a congratulatory message for his longtime teammate, Patrick Kane, on his 1,000th game.

Toews looked good and left the fans with a bit of a tease. Fans could be reading too much into it, but it’s hard not to get excited as Captain Serious said, “see ya soon, man.” For now, the fans will have to take solace in the fact that we finally heard from the Captain, and we can continue to send him positive vibes, prayers, and thoughts.

Chicago Blackhawks, Duncan Keith #2, Adam Boqvist #27 Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Blackhawks, Duncan Keith #2, Adam Boqvist #27 Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of Blackhawks highlights, Patrick Kane played in his 1,000th NHL game this week.

A night that began with a special message from Jonathan Toews ended with a lopsided six to one loss to the Dallas Stars. As BlackhawkUp’s own Jimmy Lynch explained, Kane crossed the 1,000 game mark as a player who looks like he is just getting started. He continues to shine. To this point, Kane has amassed 1,063 points in just 1,002 hockey games.

Over a point per game production, three Stanley Cups, and a league MVP should ensure that he is in the conversation of who is the best American-born hockey player of all time. Congratulations Patrick Kane.

The surprise this year has been in the play of the rookies and youngsters. For me, the big surprise has been Brandon Hagel. He has added much needed jump to the Hawks third and fourth lines, and now he has started to produce. On Thursday, Hagel added an assist and on Saturday night, he added a goal. Working with him, Dominik Kubalik added a goal last game and an assist Saturday night. The two are building chemistry and could be a dominant force on the bottom six.

Adam Boqvist notched two assists on Thursday versus Dallas and scored one goal versus Florida on Saturday. He now has 13 points in his 18 games on the season. More importantly, Boqvist has put up ten points since he returned to the lineup on February 17th. He was struggling at that point and many thought he would do better in Rockford refining his skills. Apparently, Boqvist got the message- he has been sensational on both ends of the ice since his return.

Pius Suter and Philip Kurashev have been outstanding so far in this fairly young season. For most of the week they were quiet; however, both scored in the game vs Tampa Bay last Sunday. They most definitely figure into the future of the Hawks and are playing on the expected trajectory of young players. When you play eight rookies, and 12 players 25 and under, this is what you expect- nights of greatness and other nights where you scratch your head. Welcome to the rebuild.

This week is a week of reminders. We are reminded of the greatness that is Patrick Kane, the greatness that is Jonathan Toews. We are reminded that life is fragile and so is greatness. And, we are reminded that we are in the midst of a rebuild. Patience friends…..patience.

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