The good, the bad and the consistent: Blackhawks top NHL attendance again in 2017-18
By Connor Ulrey
The Chicago Blackhawks’ on-ice product didn’t stand out very often in 2017-18, but attendance didn’t waver at the United Center. The Madhouse on Madison topped the NHL for the ninth straight season.
The 2017-18 campaign was one of the most lackluster in recent memory for the Chicago Blackhawks, but that didn’t stop crowds from showing up for all 41 home games. Since 2008-09, the Blackhawks have held the top spot of the NHL in attendance.
The top three to four have remained consistent the past few years with Chicago, followed by Montreal, Philadelphia and Detroit just behind them.
Even with finishing seventh from the bottom in points and being without their two-time Cup winning goaltender for most of the season, the Blackhawks hosted an average of 21,653 at the Madhouse, hitting their typical yearly mark of more than100 percent.
Chicago takes its jokes as a bandwagon fanbase year to year, but its great to see the people show up even in one of the most frustrating seasons the club has had in this recent run of success. With the Cubs in town, after all that wait, how could anyone who loves these teams not stick around for good and bad? It’s great example of positive fandom, and it will be remembered when we compile our annual Fandom 250 rankings later this year.
Whether it’s the one off year remains to be seen, the Blackhawks put themselves in a cap hole when keeping the three-time Cup winning core. With cap space for the first time in a few years, is John Tavares in their sights?
I’m not hinting at it, you’re hinting at it. Well, Elliotte Friedman was hinting at it. “I will tell you this, I’m not putting any odds on it, not making any predictions, but I do think there’s a chance he stays. I do,” Friedman said on NHL Tonight.
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Best believe crowds will be on Madison regardless, but this team having things go their way and avoiding injuries could spell another fun season in Chicago.