Goaltending, Special Teams lead on list of concerns for Chicago Blackhawks -NHL Update
Last season was one that the Chicago Blackhawks did play out pretty well but failed to show any significant improvement in the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoffs from the previous year when Vancouver Canucks eliminated them in the quarterfinals.
The biggest concern for the Chicago Blackhawks at the moment is Corey Crawford and Ray Emery’s performance in the net. Chicago at the moment needs a leader in the net that can remain consistent throughout the regular season and Corey Crawford, being the
young one is set to take over the scene.
Both played quite well during the regular season as Chicago did not have a problem making the playoffs, but it was that depressing postseason performance that took them right back to where they started. Phoenix Coyotes and goalie Mike Smith, easily routed
the Chicago Blackhawks in six games as Crawford was given the charge during the quarterfinals and only managed to register a .893 save percentage and 2.58 goals-against average.
Patrick Kane’s performance is another issue for Chicago Blackhawks as the partying player had some trouble this summer as he focused too much on drinking and less concentration on training. The young forward performed to the lowest point in his career last
season with just 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 82 games played compared to his previous 70-80 point scoring range.
The youngster needs to get back in form and needs to do it quick if Blackhawks are to keep him as one of their starting primetime players.
"I'd like to see those numbers get back to being a point a game guy or pushing that number," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville told NHL.com. "That's what we expect and what he should expect of himself. I think he's capable of being above those standards, so
we look forward for him to get rolling."
Now comes the issue of special teams. Chicago Blackhawks is struggling to find that perfect mixture of talent going up against certain situations, especially the penalty killing, which has been hurting them. Their top players are losing that chemistry that
led them to a Stanley Cup and finding it sooner than later is crucial to their survival.
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