Blackhawks Daily: Hawks Fans, It Can Always Be Worse

The Chicago Blackhawks are certainly trending toward another high lottery pick, but that’s to be expected. It’s better than say, making trades and acquisitions to get another crack at one last Cup run–only to be on the outside looking in as the season closes in on February.

Oh, and then add in the misery of self-inflicted wounds that make things worse. Yes, it’s Pittsburgh Penguins fans watching in horror as a delayed power play turned into a goal against.

Per @AZCoyotesPR and NHL Stats, the Coyotes (who were on the man-advantage while this happened) became the first team to score a PPG without recording a powerplay shot in a game. Just crazy stuff https://t.co/K6wWmtPIfR

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 23, 2024

I’ve always found that high expectations only to be let down later on is infinitely worse than a rebuild season. At least going in, fans know it’s going to be a brutal year. Penguins fans thought this was going to be the last real hardcore shot at getting that last hurrah with Sidney Crosby and company. Instead, the Penguins are fighting for their playoff lives and very likely beginning to wondering if its time to pull the plug once and for all.

So rest easy Blackhawks fans, your hope is comes in May when they can land another top tier talent to pluck into the lineup with Connor Bedard. The Pittsburgh faithful, conversely, may be looking at some pretty lean years after what was supposed to be one last hope for a parade.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• The Blackhawks are blanked again, this time by the Vancouver Canucks but the effort in spite of the loss is what matters
• Bob McKenzie released his midseason prospects rankings. Blackhawks fans should be salivating knowing they’re getting a top-five pick–at least
• Oliver Moore is on fire right now–and it’s why he’s likely in the top-two now for Hawks prospects
• Frank Nazar is right there with him–and likely the top prospect in the pipeline

Hockey Now Network

• Boston Hockey Now: No, it doesn’t look like the Boston Bruins will be getting Patrice Bergeron back from retirement
• Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit Red Wings prospect Marco Kasper is the AHL player of the week–really making one wonder how much longer it’ll be until he’s full time in Motown
• Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens are fielding phone calls on one of their defensemen, and likely not to consider unless they get a heck of a deal
• New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils get a gut check win against the Vegas Golden Knights
• NYIHockeyNow: The New York Islanders are already experiencing a major surge from hiring Patrick Roy–and no one should be surprised
• Philly Hockey Now: Bobby Brink is headed back to the AHL, and it’s the wrong move for the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers
• Vegas Hockey Now: Bruce Cassidy likened the Vegas Golden Knights efforts against the Devils to beer league hockey–without the fun, the win, or the beer.