Blackhawks focus on the future in the final power rankings

In the final power rankings of the season, the Blackhawks finish in a familiar position while the top teams focus on the playoffs. These power rankings are determined mainly by a team's win-loss record, but also by their recent performance, injuries, and the strength of the week's schedule. For example, if teams have similar records or point totals, they will receive a higher ranking based on who they played and the margins of victory. Teams will also be ranked higher or lower depending on how they have played over their last 10 games.

The Past Week (1-3-0)

The Blackhawks began their final homestand of the season by taking on the Eastern Conference's top teams. Carolina, who have been one of the league's best teams in shot suppression, was actually outshot by the Blackhawks. Carolina's speed, zone exits, and precision passing just showed out far the Blackhawks have left to go as they won 7-2. On a positive note, Anton Frondell did score the first multi-goal game of his career. Overall, this game was a great example of where the team envisions itself to be in a few years.

The Blackhawks then welcomed St. Louis to town. Few teams have been better than the Blues since the Olympic break, as they’ve put together a strong 16-5-3 run. St. Louis continued their good stretch by winning 5-2 even after their playoff hopes were dashed earlier in the week. Buffalo came to town looking to clinch their first division title since 2009-2010. They did just that by dominating the Blackhawks, who looked like they were ready to start their summer break.

Chicago's last chance at ending its season on a positive note came against Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks. For the second time this season, Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks bested the Sharks, beating them 5-2. Bedard added two assists, while one of the most pleasant surprises, Louis Crevier, scored two goals. Ryan Greene added a goal in his third straight game as he looks to be a main fixture on the team next season. This type of effort and result was what the coaching staff, front office, and fan base were searching for in the second half of the season.

Final Power Rankings

32 - Vancouver Canucks (-)
31 - Chicago Blackhawks (-)
30 - Calgary Flames (-)
29 - Toronto Maple Leafs (-3)
28 - New York Rangers (-)
27 - Seattle Kraken (+2)
26 - Winnipeg Jets (-3)
25 - San Jose Sharks (-1)
24 - Florida Panthers (+3)
23 - St. Louis Blues (+2)
22 - Nashville Predators (-4)
21 - New Jersey Devils (-)
20 - New York Islanders (-4)
19 - Columbus Blue Jackets (-7)
18 - Detroit Red Wings (-1)
17 - Washington Capitals (+2)

16 - Anaheim Ducks (+4)
15 - Los Angeles Kings (+7)
14 - Edmonton Oilers (-)
13 - Utah Mammoth (-)
12 - Ottawa Senators (-2)
11 - Pittsburgh Penguins (-3)
10 - Vegas Golden Knights (+5)
9 - Philadelphia Flyers (+2)
8 - Boston Bruins (+1)
7 - Montreal Canadiens (-3)
6 - Tampa Bay Lightning (-1)
5 - Minnesota Wild (+2)
4 - Buffalo Sabres (-1)
3 - Dallas Stars (+3)
2 - Carolina Hurricanes (-)
1 - Colorado Avalanche (-)

Looking Ahead

The Blackhawks finished the season at 29-39-14 for a total of 72 points. Unfortunately, this is the most points that the Blackhawks have put up since the 2019-2020 season, when they also had 72 points. One of the bright spots this season was the career-high point totals posted by Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. The emergence of Anton Frondell, Ryan Greene, Nick Lardis, and Oliver Moore has also been a bright spot this season.

In the upcoming draft, the Blackhawks have two first-round picks (one conditional) and three second-round picks. The front office has options to package some of these picks into a trade for a top-6 forward or continue to stack the prospect pool. With the latest extension given to the general manager, Kyle Davidson, it is now up to him and the coaching staff to get the Blackhawks back in playoff contention next season.

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