Don’t feel bad for being so overly-optimistic about the Blackhawks

I’d probably have laughed if you told me Arvid Soderblom’s performance against the Winnipeg Jets had been the best thing going for the Blackhawks after two games. Other than that, the Hawks resemble the team they were from last season, at least from a scoring standpoint. But if you thought everything would be better so quickly, don’t feel so bad. 

Recently, I stated this team would get it together eventually, and it’s something I still stand beside. For one, they played against a pair of tough teams and at least made things interesting against the Utah Hockey Club while giving the Winnipeg Jets all they could handle. 

It’s also worth noting that the Jets destroyed the Edmonton Oilers in the first game of the season and have allowed just one goal so far. Knowing how good Utah and Winnipeg are and the fact they’re both at least a rung above the Hawks on the Western Conference’s ladder, you shouldn’t feel bad about expecting more. 

And you also shouldn’t feel bad if the Oilers avenge that opening night debacle because, once again, it’s an elite hockey team. They just had an awful night against Winnipeg. So, even if Edmonton is up by multiple goals after a period, it’s part of the growth process in the Windy City and shouldn’t reflect on what’s in store for the Hawks. 

Blackhawks fans shouldn’t stop being optimistic about this team

Let’s suppose the worst-case scenario happens this season, and it starts with an awful October, rendering my most recent prediction that the team will get it together at some point this year null. Still, you’ll know that the generational talent in Connor Bedard is there, plus veterans who will be in town for a while. 

Players who are in contract years elsewhere know this, too, meaning it would surprise me if they didn’t have Chicago on their shortlist, regardless of how wrong this season could go if the Hawks keep dropping games. But there was also a big plus in last night’s loss to the Jets, especially with Arvid Soderblom in the net, and that plus is knowing how well the team played. 

Sure, the Hawks allowed an unprecedented 35 shots on goal, but for 40 minutes, they held the Jets to just 18 before Winnipeg got it together with 17 combined shots in the third period and in overtime. That alone is progress, and once they learn to play 60 solid minutes of hockey, fun times will be coming if you’re a Blackhawks fan once they start figuring out how to score.