Chicago Blackhawks have played seven games in the 2016-2017 season, and here are some numbers that jump out at you through 7 games of the season.
The Chicago Blackhawks have opened up the season with a very ordinary 3-3-1 record, and while we know everyone will focus on our first number, there are plenty of numbers to look at through 2 weeks of the season.
46.2
This is the number that is so mind blowing that it isn’t even plausible to anyone that watches NHL hockey. The Hawks penalty kill has been horrible or any other adjective you want to use to describe the team at this moment. Through 7 games, the Hawks have been short handed 26 times and have given up 14 goals. They aren’t even 50 percent which really frowns on the thought that the Chicago Blackhawks defense will be a strength this season.
It’s crazy that the P.K. has been a strength of the Blackhawks for years, but now they are struggling mightily. Most teams have given up 2 or 3 goals and the Hawks have given up 14. This is an area well talked about and something the Hawks have to figure out quickly or it will be a really long season.
6
Richard Panik is tied for the NHL lead in goals scored, which is still pretty amazing threw 7 games. Panik was the biggest question mark for me heading into the season, and he’s silenced all of my worries about him in the first two weeks of the season. Panik will need to continue to play strong for the Hawks to win, he can’t play like he’s arrived.
-2.43
The shot differential has closed after week one, but it’s still quite alarming that the Chicago Blackhawks are getting routinely out shot on a nightly basis. The story of the Hawks success for the past 8 or 9 seasons has been dominating the puck and outshooting their opponents and part of the reason why the Hawks are 3-3-1 is because they aren’t playing their game anymore on a nightly basis.
.897
Corey Crawford save percentage is well below average right now. Crawford’s career save percentage is .918 so he’s nowhere near his normal self. When looking at the team heading into the season, the defense and Crawford looked to be the strengths of the team, but through 7 games they all have struggles.
2
This was supposed to be a rebound season for Jonathan Toews, but through 7 games it looks more like the same from last season. Toews looked refreshed during the World Cup, but now looks to be back to just a checking forward instead of a offensive threat. The Hawks need scoring from #19 so hopefully the old scoring Captain will comeback soon.
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