Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Reasons They're Set for Another Stanley Cup Run

The Chicago Blackhawks did not start the last week of the NHL off right, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0. Adding to the problem was Dallas and Calgary's wins, moving them to just points away from grabbing the eighth seed from the 'Hawks. 

Plagued by mediocre defense and lack of depth in the regular season, repeating has looked like an almost impossible task for the returning Stanley Cup champions. 

While there may be some forces working against the 'Hawks, there are some that are in their favor.

Here are five reasons the 'Hawks have a chance to repeat their 2010 playoff run. 

1. A Very Winnable First Round

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 4: Jake Dowell #28 of the Chicago Blackhawks pins Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks up against the end boards during the first period in NHL action on February 04, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbi

The most likely case for the Blackhawks, if they make the playoffs, will be either playing the Detroit Red Wings or the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. 

The 'Hawks have a 3-1 record against the Red Wings with two more games left to play before the end of the season.

In all those games, the 'Hawks have looked extremely good against their rival, never losing by more than a goal. In order to face Detroit, the 'Hawks would have to grab the seventh seed from Anaheim, but moving up the standings might not be the best thing to do. 

Right now, the 'Hawks would play the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. 

Given the history of these two teams playing, this would also be a positive. For the past two years, the 'Hawks have dominated the Canucks, eliminating them from the playoffs both times they've seen them. 

The 'Hawks and Canucks split the season series, so a good playoff round should ensue if these two see each other in the first round. 

A first-round win could be the thing the 'Hawks need to establish some momentum in the playoffs.  

2. An Improving Penalty Kill

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 23: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks scores at 14:41 of the second period against the Florida Panthers and is joined by Duncan Keith #2 (L) and Patrick Kane #88 (R) at the United Center on March 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois

For the better half of the season, the 'Hawks' penalty kill has been less than stellar. It has hung around in the 20s all season long and still sits at 25th in the league. 

But the 'Hawks have seen improvements in their penalty kill. It hasn't been much, but the improvement is there. 

A team must take advantage of any break they receive. That means putting pressure on the opponent's penalty-kill unit. 

On the other hand, if a team can make their opponent's power play irrelevant, they are one step closer to winning the series. 

With that in mind, it's nice to see the Blackhawks' penalty kill showing signs of life. It couldn't come at a more perfect time.  

3. Patrick Sharp Returning by the End of the Season

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 20: Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks lays on the ice after an injury as Brent Seabrook #7 looks down during the first period of the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 20, 2011 in Glendale, Ar

There isn't an exact date when Patrick Sharp will return from his lower-body injury, but all signs tell us to feel optimistic that it will be before the playoffs, maybe even before the end of the season. 

The sooner Sharp returns, the better it will be for the 'Hawks. They have deeply missed him.

The first line hasn't been as effective without him, leaving the team as a whole a lot less potent on the offensive side. The 'Hawks desperately need his scoring ability after getting blanked twice in less than two weeks

Dave Bolland doesn't look to be coming back soon, though words are he is improving from his concussion suffered in early March from a check.

A healthier 'Hawks teams means a better 'Hawks team. 

4. Solid Goaltending

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 23: Chris Campoli #14 and Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate their win over the Florida Panthers at the United Center on March 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Panthers 4-0. (Photo by Bruc

One ailment the Blackhawks can forget about is worrying about their goaltending, because they have the right kid on the net with Corey Crawford. 

Crawford has surprised everyone this season, posting 31 wins so far this season. He's been the saving grace, limiting the damage of a mediocre defense. 

Crawford has no playoff experience, but Antti Niemi proved that lack of experience doesn't mean you're going to perform badly in the playoffs. 

Crawford will have a tougher time in the playoffs because of the lackluster performance of the 'Hawk's defense this season, but fans and players have confidence on the young netminder. 

He has shown both that he can be a game changer and a reliable goaltender. 

5. Great Coaching

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SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 8: Head coach Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks watches third period action against the Florida Panthers on March 8, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Blackhawks 3-2. (Photo by Joel

Coach Joel Quenneville has come under some fire this season, but in reality, he has done very well with the players he has, except for a few lineup mistakes early on in the season.

But with the revamp of last offseason, it's easy to see how it took a little longer than normal to find the right lineup.

Despite some mishaps, coach Q remains a much loved and respected coach around the league. The 'Hawk players are very confident in their coach. Respect between coach and players is an overlooked attribute in the sports world.

All great teams have great coaches to lead them. The 'Hawks may have found theirs.