After the first 45 games of the 2017-18 season, the current state of the Chicago Blackhawks is troubling to say the least. In recent years, we have seen small signs of decline from the likes of Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Jonathan Toews, but this season has taken decline to a whole new level. Amid the unfortunate rumors surrounding Corey Crawford, combined with the decline of some of the Hawks key core players, it is fair to wonder if the “one goal” era has come to an end.
On the contrary, as general manager Stan Bowman will quickly point out, the Hawks roster is definitely younger and faster than it was even last season. Gustav Forsling, Connor Murphy, Nick Schmaltz, and Alex DeBrincat have given some hope to what the future core of the Blackhawks would look like. But, like most young players, none of them have been able to attain the level of consistency needed to be considered “core” players in the National Hockey League.
The inconsistencies of the young players, and the decline of the experienced players, has put those around the team, especially fans, in turmoil. Luckily, while the players enjoy their vacations during the bye week, we have the time to evaluate this roster and give it The-Rink‘s official midseason report card.
Centers:
Jonathan Toews (C): 45 games, 14 goals, 17 assists, 31 points, +9, 57.5% Corsi for (5v5)
Of course, the usual, “Toews does everything great, especially without the puck,” is still true. But, as the face of the franchise, a top line center, and a guy with the highest cap hit in the entire NHL, 31 points is unacceptable. Even though he has picked his game up as of late, he needs to reach a 2nd gear if this team has any hope of the playoffs.
Artem Anisimov (B): 36 games, 13 goals, 5 assists, 18 points, +1, 50.3% Corsi for (5v5)
Before his latest injury, Anisimov had been having a nice season. His 13 goals had him on pace for a career high, and although his faceoff percentage, 47.06, is still under 50, it is still a few percentage points higher than the last two seasons. Regardless, whenever Anisimov comes back from his injury, the Hawks need him to continue his consistent play.
Nick Schmaltz (B+): 41 games, 12 goals, 20 assists, 32 points, +6, 54.7% Corsi for (5v5)
I really think Schmaltz has really taken the next step in his game, using his speed and top end skill to solidify himself as a top six NHLer. His offensive production has him at second on the team in points, and has been a nice addition. What is particularly impressive about his game is that he plays in all situations for coach Joel Quenneville, not an easy task considering how quickly young players can get in Quenneville’s doghouse. His biggest question mark continues to be his failure to solidify himself in one position. I have him as a center because that is what he has been playing most recently, but his faceoff percentage of 40 percent makes it tough to see him as a long term option there. With that being said, Schmaltz’s overall game seems to fit better in the middle, where he seems to utilize his speed and fore-checking ability more than he does on the wing. Regardless, Schmaltz has been a consistent positive for the Hawks this season.
Center Honorable Mention: Tommy Wingels – 42 games, 6 goals, 5 assists, 11 points, -3, 47.3% Corsi for (5v5) / David Kampf – 10 games, 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points, 0, 55.6% Corsi for (5v5)
Left Wings:
Brandon Saad (C-): 45 games, 13 goals, 10 assists, 23 points, +7, 58.7% Corsi for (5v5)
One of the most under the radar stories of the 2017-18 Blackhawks has been the lack of production from the stick of Saad. After re-acquiring him in the offseason, it was assumed that he would be a lock for 30 goals, and that he would rejuvenate Toews. Well, after 45 games, I think it is safe to say that neither of those things happened as planned. Saad has been very underwhelming offensively in his first season back with the Hawks, but he is still a very effective two-way player. He will need to pick up his offensive production in the second half.
Alex DeBrincat (A-): 45 games, 14 goals, 14 assists, +6, 56.4% Corsi for (5v5)
This DeBrincat kid is flat out for real. He has an incredible shot, great hands, good speed, and my favorite part about his game is his effort. At 5’7 and 165 pounds, DeBrincat forechecks and defends like his life depends on it. To have a 20 year old rookie playing a complete game, while also contributing as a soon to be 20 goal scorer is a joy to watch. His future is bright in Chicago.
Patrick Sharp (D): 42 games, 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points, -6, 52.6% Corsi for (5v5)
I think it is safe to say that Sharp’s NHL career will be coming to an end after this season. After being hyped all offseason coming off hip surgery, Sharp has shown little to no offensive upside for a team in desperate need of goals. It is sad to see such a beloved player only a fraction of what he once was, but it is time for him to go.
Left Wing Honorable mention: Lance Bouma – 45 games, 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, +5, 49.2% Corsi for (5v5)
Right Wings:
Patrick Kane (B): 45 games, 18 goals, 27 assists, -3, 53.5% Corsi for (5v5)
After a slow start, Kane has picked it up the second quarter of the season. He is back to being a point per game player, and was the only Blackhawk selected to the All-Star Game. The one glaring number I noticed when examining Kane’s stats was his plus/minus rating at a -3. This is definitely not the most important stat in hockey, but for a guy as offensively gifted as Kane, a better rating should be expected. Above all, Kane has been far from the problem, but the team will need him to take his game to another level in the second half of the season.
Ryan Hartman (C): 41 games, 7 goals, 13 assists, 20 points, +4, 52.8% Corsi for (5v5)
After an impressive rookie season in which Hartman scored nearly 20 goals, the Illinois native has had a sophomore slump. Like many Blackhawks, his offensive production hasn’t been what was expected with only 7 goals on the year. Even more of a red flag than his goal scoring is the consistency of his play. At times Hartman has even been healthy scratched this season due to his inconsistency. Hartman must solidify his game, both offensively and defensively, for him to stay on the ice.
Vinnie Hinostroza (B+): 15 games, 3 goals, 6 assists, +4, 57.7% Corsi for (5v5)
After starting the season in Rockford, the Bartlett native has made his presence felt since he was called up. His 9 points in 15 games has earned him a spot on the top line with Toews and Saad the last few games heading into the bye week. Hinostroza has always had great skating ability, but this season he has showed some skill to go with that top end speed. Continued production from HInostroza will be key for him to not only stay on the top line, but also to say in the lineup.
Right Wing Honorable Mention: Anthony Duclair – 2 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, +1, 61.3% Corsi for (5v5)
Defenseman:
Duncan Keith (B-): 45 games, 0 goals, 22 assists, 22 points, -6, 53.9% Corsi for (5v5)
As many people know, Keith has not been able to score thus far, with 105 shots on net and no goals to show for it. What is more disappointing about Keith’s season is not his any stat, but the fact that he has lost a step. Keith is still near the top of the NHL as far as defenseman, but when watching him play this year, you can tell he doesn’t have the same speed he once did. When considering that he has lost a step, it makes sense that he hasn’t scored and is a minus 6. Still, Keith has been solid all year, and one of the few consistent Hawks players.
Brent Seabrook (D+): 44 games, 2 goals, 10 assists, 12 points, +8, 51.6% Corsi for (5v5)
The well documented decline of Seabrook has begun this year, just as his new 6.875 million dollar cap hit kicks in. With 6 more years left on his contract, Seabrook is in a category with guys like Toews who are not living up to their salary. This is especially evident when Seabrook was scratched January 9th against the Ottawa Senators. Seabrook looks slow, is often times seen tripping over his own skates, and doesn’t play nearly as physical as he once did. Any level of competence Seabrook brings at this point is a win.
Jordan Oesterle (B+): 20 games, 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points, +4, 55% Corsi for (5v5)
Oesterle has been a pleasant surprise so far this season, solidifying his spot on the top pairing with Keith. He has also taken over Keith’s spot with the top power play unit, showing how much respect he has gained from Quenneville over the last month. The only question is can he sustain his play?
Connor Murphy (C+): 41 games, 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points, +8, 56.6% Corsi for (5v5)
Murphy was brought to Chicago in exchange for Niklas Hjalmarsson, and in his defense the comparisons were unfair. What fans have quickly come to realize is that Murphy is not Hjalmarsson, but that doesn’t mean he is bad. Murhpy is physical, active in the offensive zone, and can play effectively on both sides. He may not end up being more than a 4th or 5th defenseman, but he has settled in as a solid piece on the backend for the Blackhawks.
Gustav Forsling (C): 40 games, 3 goals, 10 assists, 13 points, +1, 49.4% Corsi for (5v5)
After a really strong start to the season, when Forsling was forming a shutdown pairing with Jan Rutta, he has really cooled off as of late. Forsling is only 21, so he has a lot of room to grow, but still seems to be a raw talent. Some nights, he will put it all together, utilizing his skating ability and his vision. Other nights, he will look like he is a 21 year old playing in the NHL. Like many of the Blackhawks young players, Forsling must find some level of consistency, and do it quickly, otherwise the Hawks will be in trouble.
Defenseman Honorable Mention: Jan Rutta – 38 games, 5 goals, 12 assists, 17 points, -4, 50.6% Corsi for (5v5) / Michal Kempny – 21 games, 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points, +12, 55.8% Corsi for (5v5)
Goalies:
Corey Crawford (A-): (16-9-2), 2.27 GAA, .929 SV%
The only reason Crawford doesn’t have an A+ grade is because he can’t stay on the ice. Crawford is on his currently on his second stint on the IR, and he is sorely missed. He has really been the MVP of the Blackhawks thus far this season, rating in the top 5 in both save percentage and goals against average. If the Hawks have any hope for turning around their season, they need Crawford to come back ASAP.
Backup Goalies:
Anton Forsberg: (3-6-3), 2.92 GAA, .911 SV%
Jeff Glass: (3-2-1), 3.18, .910 SV%
Team Stats:
Power Play: 15.5%
Penalty Kill: 83.2%
Corsi For (5v5): 53.6%
Faceoffs: 49.5%
Goal Differential: +13
As seen in both the grades and the statistical data, the Blackhawks have many flaws. Are they fixable problems, or is this team painfully mediocre? Well, we will find out the next 37 games.