A Shifting Playoff Picture

CHICAGO, IL -- Well, this post-season just got a lot harder for the Blackhawks.

With Duncan Keith facing an indefinite suspension that could likely spill over into the playoffs, a day-to-day goalie we need, random injuries/illnesses, a slow-moving offense, and a lot of losses in March, the Blackhawks aren't looking at greatness right now.

But, something feels good about this team. I don't know what--it's just a hunch of a sort. Kind of like when you go into an exam that you didn't study much for, then you get into class and find that the class is cancelled. (Shh, I've had this happen before, and though it doesn't happen often, luck does circle its way around.)

I know they were a lot stronger in December and January, and into February. A lot stronger. They had one of the top power plays in the league, and they played some of their best hockey in the mid-season. But, their penalty killing has gotten better in the past week or so, which I'd take over a good power play any day. If they can keep that up in the playoffs, they'll be alright.

They'll have to fight for this one, and something tells me they won't let it just slide by. That being said, going to the Stanley Cup Finals back-to-back and winning it back-to-back is not easy. But, like I said, there's something here.

It's easy to just say 'oh, God, they're spiraling so fast, this is the end,' but I really do believe that once the playoffs hit and they'll likely have to face St. Louis (not an easy team to play by any means), they'll kick it into high gear.

Sure, Kane and Panarin haven't been the crazy-good duo recently that they've been most of the season. The team as a whole clearly can't count (though, they're getting better). They've had injuries and illnesses galore (Hossa, Anisimov, Seabrook, etc.). They've gotten stupid penalties (Duncs, I love you, but I'm looking right at you, buddy). They're frustrated.

But, seriously, this team is special. For a team that's a lot of new guys and guys that are constantly shifted in and out of the lineup, they've had an incredible run this year. This isn't the end of the world, or the end of the Blackhawks. This is only the beginning.

Winning the Cup is obviously the goal. There's no question about that. And, I think the Blackhawks want it again. I can imagine it's a pretty good feeling to hoist that Cup up after a long season.

This team of men who want to play, who want to win, can do it again. Will they? Maybe. I think there's still a chance.

Regardless, they've got roughly a week and a half to really get into the playoff mindset and put themselves to the test.

Chelsea, Chelsea, I believe.

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