Blackhawks shocking start in the new year may have fans believing again

For a while, the Chicago Blackhawks looked like they had reverted to their old ways. They went from giving fans optimism to looking like the same team that struggled to score goals in 2023-24 and in 2024-25. 

It led some fans to think the Hawks were once again on pace for an early exit from playoff contention. Then, the calendar year shifted to January and the Hawks have been playing some good hockey.

On Wednesday, the Blackhawks put up a touchdown on the Blues. And it wasn't the first time it happened this season. Bruce Miles of NHL.com wrote that "Chicago scored at least seven goals against St. Louis for the second time this season (also an 8-3 win on Oct. 15). It marked the first time that the Blackhawks scored seven-plus goals versus one opponent twice in the same campaign since 1994-95 (2 games vs. Vancouver)."

Impressive. But what's more impressive is that the Hawks have been finding the net and looking like a well-oiled machine on offense without young core players in Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.

The Chicago Blackhawks have been spectacular so far in January

The Blackhawks played four games in January so far, scoring 17 goals and logging 109 shots on goal. Chicago is averaging 1.3 more shots on goal than its opponents. They are winning on the face-off dot, snagging a 51.6 face-off win percentage. At 5-on-5, they also have a 52.8 Corsi For, despite just 48.6 percent of their starts coming in the offensive zone. 

If they can keep this up while Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are still on the mend, what will this team look like when they're back at full strength? There could be a slight dip early, as Bedard and Nazar get re-acclimated to playing, but it could be safe for fans to say, "Watch out for the Blackhawks."

If the Blackhawks keep spreading the puck around as they have and a variety of players keep pitching in, as seven of them have at least three points in those four games in January, they will keep up their high-octane and winning ways unless teams catch them on a bad night. 

Once Bedard and Nazar are back to full force, fans may get a preview of what they can expect in 2026-27. It will be another sign that this long rebuild is running its course, and that the Hawks will be ready to take the next step. And if there is a time for the Hawks to level up, it's right now, as seven of their next nine games are at home.