The Chicago Blackhawks are a shadow of the dynasty that won three Stanley Cups not long ago. Despite the lack of success in the standings, they still have some crucial core pieces that were integral in their Cup winning seasons.

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane stand out as the two key pieces on offence, while Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook still maintain the blueline.

You may think with that many core pieces around, they must have declined in order for the team to take such a hit, right? Well, as it turns out, Toews and Kane have been enjoying some of their best offensive numbers despite the team’s struggles.

 

 

This doesn’t necessarily point out one thing or another. It could mean they are playing better, but it could also point to them getting more chances based on other factors related to a lack of team depth such as power-play time.

Either way, it is an interesting little tid-bit during an otherwise un-noteworthy season for the ‘Hawks.

 

 

As a result, people are turning to other areas to explain their lack of success. Defense and goaltending are taking the lion share of the blame.

 

 

(H/T Mark Lazerus)