Blackhawks are getting utterly disrespected in latest NHL Playoff predictions

The Chicago Blackhawks have exceeded expectations to some extent this season. Plenty of analysts and pundits picked Chicago to be in the race for yet another lottery. But a combination of a fantastic season from Connor Bedard, improved D, and solid goaltending has put the Hawks one point out of a wildcard spot heading into Tuesday’s action.

Still, the Blackhawks aren’t getting much love from playoff oddsmakers. According to the latest playoff odds, the Blackhawks currently have a 35.7% chance of making the playoffs. While that’s certainly much higher than initially anticipated, it doesn’t compute with other clubs’ chances.

For instance, MoneyPuck gives the Utah Mammoth a 42.3% of making it, yet they are tied with the Blackhawks with 27 points in the standings. Other teams, like the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks, have an 84% chance. That situation means the algorithm calculating these odds believes the Ducks are for real.

So, does that mean the algo doesn’t buy that the Blackhawks are a real playoff contender this season? Chicago is 11-9-5 on the year. They have one fewer regulation loss than the Edmonton Oilers, and are one point ahead of last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Winnipeg Jets.

Perhaps the issue lies with the recency bias befalling the Blackhawks. They are one year removed from a lottery pick. So, it may be hard for oddsmakers to think this season is the year the Blackhawks’ rebuild takes the next step.

Blackhawks poised to turn major corner this season

Even if the Blackhawks fall short of a playoff spot this season, there’s a window to make a significant jump in the team’s rebuild. It’s been roughly a decade since the Hawks last made the playoffs. But like other rebuild clubs, including the Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Detroit Red Wings, they’re about along the same timeline in their rebuild.

As such, there’s reason to believe the Blackhawks could be for real this season. They could turn into what the Utah Mammoth were last season. In 2024-25, the Mammoth surprised the NHL by being much better than anticipated in their inaugural season. They eventually fell shy of a playoff spot, but the young core gave fans plenty to look forward to.

This season, the Mammoth are fighting for a playoff spot. They have about a 50/50 chance to make it. So, why can’t that be Chicago this season? The biggest question will be the Blackhawks’ staying power. Can Chicago remain competitive the entire season? Or will they fade at some point down the stretch? That’s a question that will remain unanswered until late February or March.