Fans have reasons to believe in the Blackhawks heading into 4 Nations Face-Off

The Chicago Blackhawks season is finished heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off, and that’s a fact. This means you’ll see them sell before and at the trade deadline, likely moving players like Ryan Donato elsewhere.

Still, if you’ve been watching the Hawks recently, as in the previous three games, tell me you’re not at least somewhat motivated here. Connor Bedard’s been pulling his weight more, and best yet, the Hawks as a unit have been scoring. 

Look at those previous three matchups, and they’ve snagged four points, with zero regulation losses. Through this span, the Hawks are 1-0-2, with 14 goals for and 12 allowed. Do the math, and they have averaged nearly five goals per game in this short stretch. 

Yeah, they’ve allowed four, and something needs to be done about that, and they’ve been outshot 111 to 82. Break these numbers down per game, and the Hawks have allowed 37 shots per and have only garnered 27, so it’s hard to win in that kind of environment. The upside, however, is that they’re making the most of those opportunities. 

Blackhawks fans might have fun watching this team down the stretch

Here’s another motivating statistic: The Blackhawks converted three of their five power play opportunities in that span, and allowed just one goal out of nine penalty kill attempts. Once again, these aren’t bad numbers. 

Should the Hawks keep all the above rocking and rolling while figuring out a way to stop allowing so many shots and, therefore, goals, look for them to perform better than they had throughout the first two-thirds of the year. 

No, we won’t predict miracles or anything like that since they’re not happening under the current landscape. Instead, look for the Hawks to play a bit of spoiler when they return from the 4 Nations and enter the final leg of the season with what should be some renewed optimism. 

Playoffs are out of the question in the Windy City, but...

This season hasn’t gone anywhere near what fans expected and they have a right to turn their backs and focus on other pro sports. But trust me, the Hawks will give some of those groups destined for playoff hockey when play resumes some trouble if their recent performances are an indicator. 

It might not look like it, but judging from these previous three games, Blackhawks fans all over the NHL landscape have a legitimate reason to believe in this team, even if the postseason is out of the question and contention for the first-overall pick will continue to haunt them. This is, of course, assuming the Hawks keep playing respectable hockey from here on out.