The Chicago Blackhawks are on an 82-game odyssey that will present a lot of challenges this season.
The Chicago Blackhawks are on an 82-game odyssey that will present a lot of challenges this season.
The Chicago Blackhawks are off to an okay start to the 2024-25 season. It is apparent that they are going to go through some ups and downs throughout the year but the development of young people is certainly going to be the main focus.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY3MlOWU8iU[/embed]
There are a few players at the NHL level that the organization sees as long-term pieces so they wanted to be more competitive this year for that reason.
Adding veterans like Teuvo Teravainen, Patrick Maroon, Alec Martinez, and TJ Brodie amongst others will do wonders for the team as leadership is key in years like this. With new captain Nick Foligno there already, they are in great shape.
All of this has led to a 1-1-1 start to the year which feels right for this team. They lost to the Utah Hockey Club on Opening Night despite outplaying them for most of the game.
In game two, they had a 1-0 lead over the Winnipeg Jets for most of the game but fell in overtime as Mark Scheifele tied it with the goalie pulled and won it in overtime. The Hawks got a point but needed to find that first win soon.
Chicago did just that on Saturday night when they got to Alberta to take on the defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers. They cruised to a 5-2 victory on the back of a wonderful power-play performance.
Now, that journey will continue through Alberta to end the four-game road trip to begin the season. They will take on the Calgary Flames on Tuesday before coming home. Both teams are coming off big wins over Edmonton.
Normally, the Hawks would also visit the Vancouver Canucks on the same "Western Canadian road trip" but that won't be the case this time. Their two trips to Vancouver will be parts of other western road trips later in the year.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ZE7DFJAPM[/embed]
The four-game road lap to begin the season is a solid test for this team. When they return, the San Jose Sharks will be ready for them in Chicago.
Finishing off the Alberta visit with a win would bring this team great confidence which could be a key to them avoiding the basement early in the year.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features and more.
Related: Maroon Defends Bedard After Big Hip Check
Related: Blackhawks' Korchinski Has Impressive AHL Debut
Related: Connor Bedard Still 3rd Youngest Player to Make NHL Roster