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NHL Power Rankings: Ducks soar, Maple Leafs in free fall

By Derek Grochowski

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: The shot of Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) deflects off the mask of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, held on September 30, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: The shot of Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) deflects off the mask of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, held on September 30, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 11: (L-R) Erik Gustafsson
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 11: (L-R) Erik Gustafsson /

25. Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and the rest of Chicago Blackhawks likely will miss the playoffs this season. This could signal the end of the Blackhawks’ long-running dynasty over the last decade. It was only a matter of time before age caught up in Chicago. Toews, Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have served the team well, but their success and corresponding contracts have made it tough to manage their younger players. Alex DeBrincat has had a great season for the team and could represent the next wave of talented players, but the Blackhawks have a lot of work to do in order to free up cap space for these young players.

The Blackhawks’ week started with a win over the surprising Colorado Avalanche. Chicago then dropped their next two games to the Carolina Hurricanes and the first half of a home and home series against the Boston Bruins. The Blackhawks were able to close their week out with a win against the Bruins. Chicago has a light schedule this coming week, taking on the Winnipeg Jets before heading to Buffalo to take on the Sabres on St. Patrick’s Day. The Blackhawks are not in full tear-down mode yet, but this offseason will be an important one if they want to reload and push for another Stanley Cup with this core.

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