Frequently Asked Questions
What does NHL 18 predict for the Blackhawks' 2017-18 season?
NHL 18 projects the Blackhawks will miss the playoffs entirely, finishing 12th in the Western Conference and sixth in the Central Division with only 86 points.
How big of a drop would this be from the Blackhawks' previous season?
This would represent a massive fall from grace, as NHL 18 expects the Hawks to go from having the most points in the West to near the conference basement.
What are the main concerns about the Blackhawks roster heading into this season?
The talent along the blue line is questionable at best outside of Duncan Keith and occasionally Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks also looked old and slow against the aggressive Nashville Predators.
How many teams does NHL 18 project will finish worse than the Blackhawks?
According to the simulation, only seven other teams league-wide are projected to finish with fewer points than the Blackhawks' predicted 86 points.
Does the author believe NHL 18's prediction is accurate?
The author thinks projecting such a severe dropoff seems ludicrous and believes the Blackhawks should have enough to compete more than NHL 18 projects, though acknowledges this could be the year the dynastic roster drops off.