NHL Playoffs: 5 reasons the Chicago Blackhawks could repeat

#4: A Proven Shutdown Line

Not only do the Blackhawks have one of the NHL’s top scoring lines, they have one of the best shutdown lines too. Their shutdown line can take on the toughest competition and still score at a nice rate while doing so. Quenneville trusts his shutdown line consisting of wing Andrew Ladd, center Jonathan Toews, and wing Marian Hossa.

Toews is a well-deserved regular Selke Trophy finalist and won the award during the 2012-2013 season. If it wasn’t for Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, it’s likely that Toews would be known as the best shutdown center in the league. He wins face-offs and plays in virtually every situation. Not to mention Toews has proven that he is one of the most clutch players in the NHL. While Toews doesn’t kill penalties as much as other centers, that’s more of a testament to the depth of the Blackhawks than Toews.

Marian Hossa has surprisingly never won a Selke Trophy, but he has finished in the top 10 in each of the past three seasons. That’s impressive considering how centers tend to dominate Selke Trophy voting. Few players can dominate on both ends of the ice like Hossa can. He and Toews have great chemistry and while they might not score as much as other players, their importance to the Hawks is obvious.

Andrew Ladd has rejoined the Blackhawks after being traded after Chicago won the Stanley Cup during the 2009-2010 season. He’s a great fit for the line because of his high hockey IQ and his 200-foot game. While Ladd might not be the scorer that he used to be, the Blackhawks simply need him to complete their shutdown line. He does that.

Next: A Proven Blue Line