3 Thoughts On the Blackhawks 5-2 Victory Sunday Night

I could only imagine the thoughts on social media when the San Jose Sharks jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the Blackhawks Sunday night. Having the ability to watch it back thanks to recording it made some of the other notes stand out a bit more.

The 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks give the Hawks 43 points on the season as well as a victory shy of 20. Here are three thoughts on yesterday’s game as the Blackhawks enter their final 15 games of the season.

Blackhawks Have Won Four of Their Last Six Games

In their past six games, the Blackhawks have won four of their last six, a staggering feat for a team that struggled mightily over long stretches this season. Since March 5th when they beat the Arizona Coyotes, Chicago is 4-2. Prior to that game, it took 19 games to string four wins together–a feat that stretched from January 7th until March 4th. Prior to that, it was a 15-game stretch to capture four wins.

The biggest boost, along with a simpler draw of teams, has been the improved health of several players, too. Andreas Athanasiou’s speed is disruptive for other teams trying to keep pace–he may not always finish with a goal or keep the puck on his stick. But he’s always able to push the play and give the Blackhawks a chance in the game.

Another catalyst? Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev during the stretch. In those six games, Bedard has 12 points (4-8) while Kurashev has eight points (4-4).

Lukas Reichel Has Some Jump in His First Game Back

From the eye test, he looked faster and far more engaged in the play than in the handful of games prior to being scratched and then sent down to Rockford.

He notched an assist, and showed the flash and confidence that was lacking for most of the 50 games he played in this season. Now, will it continue? It’s good timing by the staff to bring him up against the league’s worst team, which offers more in the way of easing him back into the routine.

It was a positive first step. How will the final 15 games look?

Sharks Solidly Slack for Mack

The Blackhawks were at the top of the lottery standing for the majoirty of the season, but the Sharks sell off before and on the trade deadline day have made it very apparent they’re all in when it comes to getting that top pick in the 2024 Draft. The Sharks have a game in hand with four points separating them from Chicago. The latest surge of wins from the Hawks could polarize opinions on what they should do, but it’s important to remember they had an 11.5% chance to get Bedard last year.

And they did.

For a team whose young core is beginning to emerge, this humble writer’s opinion thinks that momentum out of a season with consistent losses takes precedence. Let the chips fall where they may. Chicago will likely be picking somewhere in the top three–potentially the top five if they go on a ridiculous heater.

But as some future pieces will show, the Blackhawks future success will ultimately hinge on players they acquire through free agency and trades–and less from the multitude of players they pick through the draft.

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