NHL Trade Deadline: Chicago Blackhawks Must Address Defense to Make Playoff Run

If the Chicago Blackhawks have any chance of making a deep run in the playoffs, they must address their defense before Monday's trade deadline.

Craig Custance of ESPN pointed out on Friday that the Carolina Hurricanes' Bryan Allen or the Dallas Stars' Sheldon Souray could be options for the Blackhawks. Center is also a need, but there aren't many options out there nearing the deadline.

The Blackhawks have allowed 2.89 goals per game this season, eighth-most in the NHL. Not only do they have needs on the blue line, but also their goalie, Corey Crawford, isn't exactly helping matters. Crawford ranks 36th in save percentage among goalies who qualify this season. FYI: There are 40 goalies who qualify.

The Blackhawks likely aren't going to grab another goalie, but they can address their defense on the ice. Despite scoring 3.03 goals per game (fourth in the NHL), the Blackhawks are clinging to the sixth spot in the Western Conference. Imagine if they had a good defense. Well, that would naturally be imagining them making a deep playoff run this season.

The Blackhawks recently went on a four-game winning streak, including wins against the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings. But let's be honest, the Blackhawks would be scorched by these teams come the postseason. They aren't a good defensive team, and that was rather clear when they allowed three goals to the Dallas Stars on Thursday.

The organization has been fairly quiet on the trade front leading up to the deadline, but you'd have to think that silence will disappear as we approach Monday's deadline.

Everyone knows the Blackhawks need defense, the Blackhawks included. Ignoring that would be setting them up for an early exit out of the playoffs.