The Chicago Blackhawks have clinched the NHL's Central Division for the second time since they did so in the 2009-2010 season (2012-2013). It is the first since the league realigned in 2013-2014 and secures the Blackhawks home ice advantage with the best record in the Western Conference.
None of this really means anything unless the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup but there are still things to shoot for this regular season. The players would tell you that records and trophies don't matter, but you know it's on their mind.
Coach Q may occasionally be resting players the last four games but that is no reason for you to take a rest from watching. Here are four great reasons to stay tuned in.
With a win against Columbus on March 31, the team reached the 50 win mark for only the second time in team history. The team has four games left to break the franchise-record of 52 wins, set in 2009-2010.
The boys still have an outside shot at winning the President's Trophy for most regular season points. They trail the Washington Capitals 110-107 and the Caps have one game in hand. It's not out of the realm of possibilities but this is going to be tough.
With one of the deepest scoring lineups Chicago has ever seen, they can tie a team record for 20 goal-scorers in a season. Currently six players have at least 20 and Ryan Hartman is two away. He may see increased playing time and opportunities if Coach Q decides to rest some of the core players.
As far as individuals go, Patrick Kane is very much in the race for the Hart and Art Ross trophies. Kane (87) trails Connor McDavid (91) by 4 points for the Ross as of this writing. McDavid has one game in hand. Another Hart trophy will be a tough sell because of Kane's supporting cast but he is the current holder of the title. There's no denying his value to the Blackhawks success.
The boys still have an outside shot at winning the President's Trophy for most regular season points. They trail the Washington Capitals 110-107 and the Caps have one game in hand. It's not out of the realm of possibilities but this is going to be tough.
With one of the deepest scoring lineups Chicago has ever seen, they can tie a team record for 20 goal-scorers in a season. Currently six players have at least 20 and Ryan Hartman is two away. He may see increased playing time and opportunities if Coach Q decides to rest some of the core players.
As far as individuals go, Patrick Kane is very much in the race for the Hart and Art Ross trophies. Kane (87) trails Connor McDavid (91) by 4 points for the Ross as of this writing. McDavid has one game in hand. Another Hart trophy will be a tough sell because of Kane's supporting cast but he is the current holder of the title. There's no denying his value to the Blackhawks success.
