Chicago Blackhawks: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 17: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks down the ice in the second period against the Washington Capitals at the United Center on February 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Washington Capitals 7-1. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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The Chicago Blackhawks face a number of issues after a humbling 2017-18 season that ended without a postseason berth.

The Chicago Blackhawks have arguably been the NHL’s most successful team this decade. From 2010 to the present, no team has won more Stanley Cups than their three titles.

However, the Hawks had a very humbling season in 2017-18. For just the second time in the Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews era, they failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Sometimes, failure is a good thing. It forces you to look yourself in the mirror and gives you a fresh perspective of your flaws. The Blackhawks aren’t offering any excuses for their poor 2017-18 season. In fact, their top priority remains to make the playoffs.

However, if the Blackhawks want to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they face an uphill battle. Their roster from last season is largely the same. Let’s take a look at the five biggest questions the Blackhawks face as they hope to have their fans cheering for them past the first week of April.

Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images /

5. Can Brandon Saad bounce back?

Back in 2015, merely weeks after winning the Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks traded forward Brandon Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was a critical member of their team and one of Jonathan Toews’ favorite linemates.

Last summer, the Blackhawks managed to correct this wrong by reacquiring Saad. However, it cost them Artemi Panarin, one of the most dynamic wings in the league. They did this because they felt Saad could help them get back to their Stanley Cup-winning days.

Instead, he had his least productive NHL season, putting up just 18 goals and 35 points in 82 games. Previously, Saad had posted three consecutive seasons with at least 50 points and an additional one with 47. Also, he had three seasons with at least 20 goals, finishing with 19 goals in another.

Can Saad bounce back? It’s reasonable to expect that. After all, Saad remained a pretty good two-way forward, which is a crucial part of his game. Also, his shooting percentage usually hovers around 11 percent or higher. In 2017-18, Saad only converted on 7.6 percent of his shots.

If he can bounce back (even a pessimist must admit it’s plausible), that would be a huge boost to the Blackhawks’ chances of making the postseason.

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