The Chicago Blackhawks are 2-2-2 on the season, and even though that is nothing special, they look like a completely different team. This is a group that wants to win and speed up the rebuild, as multiple players have taken steps forward, and the team is in every game they have played.
The Blackhawks have not had an easy schedule to begin the season, and although they haven't played exclusively elite teams, multiple stretches throughout the season should be much easier than the one they're currently in to start the 2025-26 season.
Chicago kicked off the season on the road against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, losing 3-2 in regulation. Then the Blackhawks took the Boston Bruins to overtime, where they lost 4-3. The Bruins look like they are a changed team as well not that they are healthier.
The Blackhawks took things back home and lost 3-2 in regulation once again to the 4-1-0 Montreal Canadiens, who came back from making the playoffs for the first time in years last season, with a stronger group.
Chicago got their first win of the season in the fourth game as they topped the improved Utah Mammoth, 3-1. The Blackhawks followed that out with a blowout over the St. Louis Blues to really get the offense going. The score was 8-3 in St. Louis. Finally, the most recent game went back to extra time with the Vancouver Canucks and the Blackhawks ended up falling 3-2 in a shootout.
The Blackhawks have only allowed more than three goals once so far, but the offense does need to find the back of the net a little more. The good thing is that the stars are playing like it. The top of the lineup looks good together and Chicago isn't a team that other teams are going to come into the matchup underestimating.
Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar look like they are going to lead this team to a competitive season, even if Chicago finishes at the bottom of the standings. There aren't going to be constant blowouts or a season where everyone is left wanting more.
Bedard, Nazar, and Teuvo Teravainen are point-per-game players thus far, seven Blackhawks have scored multiple times, the young players are right in the mix and contributing, and the goaltending is solid. Despite one win in his four starts, Spencer Knight has a .924 SV%.
This Blackhawks season has to be better than the last, as the team is starting to head in that direction. It could all of a sudden change and get much better, but with such a young group, that's a lot to ask for just yet. Chicago looks like they are headed in the right direction and it'll be a more successful year.
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