Next Year

The way the Blackhawks went out this year was a little unsettling. The first half of the series against Vancouver was terrible. They didn't play with any heart in the first three games and therefore had a tough task ahead of themselves. They needed to win four games in a row. That is a lot when the pressure of winning is on you each time. They were able to dominate in game 4 and game 5. Game 6 was a tough battle, but they came out on top in overtime. Game 7 was just too much for them to handle. They were behind from the very beginning and it took them almost the whole game to come back. Thankfully, Jonathan Toews somehow managed to get a shorthanded goal while laying on the ice. The game was taken to overtime and the Blackhawks put good pressure on, but one mistake led to Alex Burrows open in front of Corey Crawford and he netted the game-winner. 

I am a firm believer in the fact that if the Blackhawks had won that game they would be playing in the Stanley Cup Finals right now. They are the only team that put up any fight against the Canucks. The Blackhawks would have beat the Predators and then the Sharks and would be playing the Bruins right now. They could do what no team since 1998 has done and repeat. They didn't win that game, though. They lost and they are sitting at home right now. That might sound like a bad thing, but in reality it is a great thing. 

The Blackhawks did lose a lot of talent and great players in the offseason last year, but they still had a very talented team coming into this year. Injuries and heartless play at the beginning of the year is what hurt the Blackhawks. Fans should not be saying "What if" and "We could've" the fact is, the Blackhawks lost in the playoffs and they are out. All of this happened for a reason. The Blackhawks didn't get as much rest as they should and as much as they need last year because they went all the way and won the cup. They are getting much needed rest this year and will come back stronger next year. Losing in the first round is incredibly helpful to the Blackhawks. They are getting rest physically and mentally now. They will come back stronger next year and contend for the cup. 

The talent that the Hawks have coming back this season is very impressive. Corey Crawford is coming back and I personally believe that he will keep getting better and have games like he did in the playoffs. Duncan Keith had an off year, but with the help of being able to rest and with the pressure of being the Norris winner off his back he will have a better year. Jonathan Toews keeps getting better and will likely have a great year and still be a great leader for the team. Patrick Kane has disappointed a few fans, but I think he will get better in the offseason and have a great season. Patrick Sharp was the big story at the beginning of the year last year with his crazy goal scoring. I think he will score a lot, but not as much. Marian Hossa had a good season, but had a few injuries. Hopefully, he stays injury free and has another good year. Ben Smith showed a lot of promise in the playoffs this year and will likely start to play with the Blackhawks at the beginning of the season. He is a hard-worker and very hockey smart, so I think he will be a great player in the future. 

There are so many other players that will get better this offseason. It is easy to see that the Blackhawks will be one of the top contenders for the cup this coming season. They have everything it takes to win it all. This might be their year to get it done again.