Blackhawks faced with a tough pill to swallow this off-season

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Joshua Deeds
March 22, 2024 (11:25 PM)

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Goalies develop differently in the NHL and at different paces, and it is arguable one of the Chicago Blackhawks goalies, may not be cut out for the show.

It seems that Arvid Soderblom may not be cut out for the role in the Blackhawks system, even as a backup.

There's a debate to be had whether he should've been demoted to the AHL, after the blowout 4-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks recently.

The Chicago Blackhawks Need To Move on From Arvid Soderblom After This Season https://t.co/2OaTJzk1f7� Blackhawk Up (@Blackhawk_Up) March 22, 2024

With Jaxson Stauber the only other NHL-worthy goaltender in the pipeline, he will be needed for the Rockford IceHogs Calder Cup run.

This means Soderblom will have to be relied upon, despite not being a reliable goalie for the team.

Leason

It's 2-0! #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/zHvRjaF5ty� Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 22, 2024

He has given up an astounding four goals in four of his last five starts and was taken off the ice 14:19 into the game against the Los Angeles Kings.

Soderblom hasn't been consistent enough to be a goalie in the NHL, as he is 4-20-1 and has only been reliable in two starts in February.

Soderblom ranks 53rd in goals allowed and 52nd in save percentage in the NHL this season, he's 2nd to last amongst goalies who have played a minimum of 20 NHL games this season, with a total of -18. This means he has given away 18 goals than your average netminder, plus 18 more goals allowed.

The defense isn't blame-free from this either, but in needed saves, bail-out saves, Soderblom can't seem to make them.

Soderblom needs support, but the team needs his too to be successful.

Where Petr Mrazek has stepped up this season, Soderblom hasn't been able to crack it. Soderblom needs to be demoted or shown a fresh start as he hasn't been the answer in net.