Chicago Blackhawks Midseason Report: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As we pass the midpoint of the NHL season, I feel that it is appropriate to analyze what has been the good, the bad, and the ugly for the Chicago Blackhawks thus far. Although there is far more good than bad or ugly, I feel that it is important to label what the 'Hawks still need to improve on.

The Good

Patrick Kane

Sophomore Slump? I don't think so. Even with everyone keying on Kane, he has still been able to put up impressive numbers, 42 points in 40 games, and has been elected to his first career All Star game as a starter. 

Currently, Kane finds himself in a scoring drought with zero goals in his last nine games, and only one point in those nine games as well. But nonetheless, Kane has still been the biggest contributor to the 'Hawks offense all season.

Hopefully he can find his offensive groove once again and propel the 'Hawks into the playoffs and beyond.

The Ladd/Bolland/Havlat Line

The 'Hawks "third" line consisting of Martin Havlat, Dave Bolland, and Andrew Ladd has been the most productive line this season. Each player has at least 24 points and plus-minus ratings in the double digits.

This line has been gold for Joel Quenneville since that line is the only one that has not changed in recent months because of their success. This lineup is also used to defend other teams top lines.

Dave Bolland is probably one of the 'Hawks best defensive forwards but also has a scoring touch, which was evident in their overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Martin Havlat's playmaking has been the difference offensively for this line, with 10 points in his last 10 games.

Finally you have Andrew Ladd who, in his first full season with the 'Hawks, has impressed Joel Quenneville with his gritty play, but also his ability to find the scoresheet.

In the second half of the season, look for Havlat's playmaking and Ladd/Bollands grit to help them find the scoresheet as much as they have in the first half.

Nikolai Khabibulin and New Cristobal Huet

Nikolai Khabibulin has been outstanding all season and has proven that he should be the Blackhawks No. 1 goaltender. But recent off-season acquisition, Cristobal Huet, has also been making his case for starting time as well.

On the season, Khabibulin is 13-3-5 and has a goals allowed average of 2.34. Huet on the other hand, is 11-7-3 and has a goals allowed average of 2.38. But recently Huet has been hot, winning seven of his last nine, including two shutouts.

If Huet can continue his hot play and Khabibulin continues to play the way he has, then the two of them give the Blackhawks a tandem to be feared in the NHL.

Duncan Keith

There is no doubt in my mind that Duncan Keith is the Chicago Blackhawks best defensemen and is in the conversation for the 'Hawks best player with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

Keith currently leads the 'Hawks in plus-minus rating and is second among Blackhawk defensemen with 23 points. I was surprised when he was not chosen for the NHL All Star game, but I suppose with the 'Hawks having three players starting in the game, I shouldn't be complaining too much.

Keith, who had only missed one game in his entire NHL career, will be out of the 'Hawks lineup for an expended period of time after sustaining a concussion in the game against Buffalo. Get Well Soon Duncs. This team already misses you.

The Bad

Troy Brouwer

Now don't get me wrong, I love Troy Brouwer and the physical edge that he brings to the Chicago lineup, especially when paired with Sharp and Kane.

But Brouwer, who many tab as a scoring power forward, has not scored much as of late, including only recording three points in his last 10 games.

Joel Quenneville has also made Brouwer a healthy scratch and buried him on the fourth line in recent games, so is he really filling a need in Chicago? I really don't think so.

If Brouwer is getting scratched in favor of Craig Adams, then maybe he should be returned to the AHL so that he can get some top minutes. Maybe it is time to give Petri Kontiola (AHL All Star) or Jack Skille a look at the NHL level.

Early Cristobal Huet

Many in the Chicago Blackhawks community were shocked when Dale Tallon signed free agent goaltender Cristobal Huet, and after his first few starts many were asking for Tallon's head.

In Huet's first 10 starts he was 3-5-2, including six goals allowed against the San Jose Sharks. But Huet has turned it around (see The Good) and has made it seem that Dale Tallon made the right decision in going with the goalie tandem.

Look for the goalie shuffle to continue for the rest of the season because both Huet and Khabibulin have made cases for starting time. 

The Ugly

The Play Against Top Teams

It has been tough to watch the 'Hawks play the top teams in the West and the East; the Red Wings, Sharks, Bruins, Rangers, and Capitals are 10-0-0 against the 'Hawks. If the 'Hawks want to make noise in the playoffs, they are going to need to be able to beat these upper echelon teams. 

The 'Hawks will have their chances against these top teams in the second half, and will depend on some solid goaltending and a better power play if they plan on contending with these teams in Mid-April.

Here's hoping that the second half of the Chicago Blackhawks is as good as the first half. 'Hawks fans, enjoy the ride, because once again our 'Hawks are a major factor in the NHL.