It's Official: Chicago Out of Playoff Contention
Following a lackluster season by the Chicago Blackhawks, it does not come as a surprise to many that any postseason hopes came to an end last night. Predictions and scenarios for multiple teams were up in the air yesterday, with the Colorado Avalanche securing a playoff bid and both the Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators avoiding elimination. For the second year in a row, the Blackhawks have been eliminated from playoff contention, following a 6-2 Nashville Predator win over the Minnesota Wild, as well as a 3-2 Dallas Stars win over the New York Islanders.
Chicago currently holds a record of 24-35-11, putting them at 59 points on the season and landing in 7th place in the Central Division.
Since the 2014-2015 season, when the Blackhawks took home the Stanley Cup over Tampa, finding their way into the playoffs has been more of a challenge, let alone staying in for the long run. After clinching the postseason in 2016, 2017, and 2019, a first-round exit was in store for Chicago. But for 2018, 2019, 2021, and now officially 2022, the Blackhawks have failed to qualify all together. Many Blackhawks fans have been disappointed with how the regular season has played out, which is why the pressure is high for new GM Kyle Davidson after he came in swinging promising a rebuild. A taste of what a potential rebuild was given after the unexpected, but seems to be worthwhile, trade of Brandon Hagel. Following the close of this season on April 29 vs the Buffalo Sabres, we will see how Chicago uses the off-season to prepare for 2022-2023.
The Blackhawks play tomorrow at home against the Seattle Kraken, 7:30 p.m. CST.
| POLL | ||
Will the Blackhawks make the playoffs next season? | ||
| Yes | 87 | 36.9 % |
| No | 149 | 63.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
