Frequently Asked Questions
How bad is the Blackhawks penalty kill this season?
The Blackhawks penalty kill currently ranks dead last in the NHL (31st) with a 72.8% kill rate. This embarrassing penalty kill unit is one of the main reasons for their recent losing skid of 4 losses in their last 5 games.
Are Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook still effective players for the Blackhawks?
Keith and Seabrook are no longer in their prime and are experiencing more frequent mental lapses on defense. While they've been great over the past decade, they are no longer top guys on the defensemen corps and their declining play is contributing to the team's struggles.
What are the Blackhawks' biggest problems preventing them from making the playoffs?
The Blackhawks have a talent deficiency on defense and the worst penalty kill in the NHL. They're averaging 3.77 goals allowed per game while only scoring 3.32 goals per game, making it hard to win consistently.
Why did the Blackhawks send Henri Jokiharju down to Rockford?
The reasoning behind sending down Jokiharju, one of their best defensemen, is unclear since he won't improve playing against weaker AHL competition. The move appears to have been made to showcase other defensemen, but the team didn't make any trades at the deadline anyway.
How has Connor Murphy performed for the Blackhawks this season?
Connor Murphy has quietly been one of the Blackhawks' best defensemen this season with steady performance that has solidified his position as a long-term option. He's seen as a key piece alongside the team's future defensive core.