Last Place Blackhawks Have Incredibly Tough 8-Game Stretch Ahead

rob couch

Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 2:01 p.m.·2 min read

The last place Chicago Blackhawks, ranking 32nd in the NHL in points and point %, have what may be the toughest stretch of eight games by any team this season.

The Blackhawks have lost four games in a row and 10 of the past 12 and have a record of 14-28-3 for 31 points. They are well on their way to getting the best odds for the number one pick in the 2025 entry draft, and it will be challenging for the team to come away with even a couple of wins over the next couple of weeks.

The Blackhawks' first test comes against the Vegas Golden Knights (29-13-3) on Jan. 18. The 2023 Stanley Cup champions are tied for second in the Western Conference and third in the league. While they haven't been their usual dominant self over the past week-plus, they completely outmatch Chicago regardless.

Following that, the Blackhawks host the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Minnesota Wild. The Hurricanes are fourth in the Eastern Conference with 57 points and sit ninth in the league with a record of 27-16-3. The Lightning aren't far behind them with a record of 24-16-3 (51 points) and the Wild are 27-14-4 (58 points).

Chicago does have two opportunities to either get revenge or try to win two in a row against strong teams as the Blackhawks visit the Lightning and Hurricanes following their four-game homestand.

To complete the eight grueling games for the Blackhawks, the team visits the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers before returning home to host the team the Panthers beat in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers.

The Panthers are 26-17-3 (55 points) while the Oilers are the hottest team in the NHL with a record of 29-13-3 (61 points). Edmonton has won four in a row, eight of nine, and are 19-4-1 in their last 24 games.

At this point of the season for the Blackhawks, they should want to see production and development from their young players, but keep their spot in last place so that Chicago has the best chance to get one more elite talent from the draft.

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