Chicago Blackhawks: April Fools or Serious Playoff Contenders?

The Chicago Blackhawks have reached the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. In keeping with the roller coaster ride the team has taken us on for the past six months, the clinching game in Nashville provided glimpses of the 'Hawks at their best and their worst.

Chicago's 5-4 victory over the Predators locked up a playoff spot of at least the sixth seed. It was, however, far from the type of win that inspires confidence of a long run regardless of what seed the Blackhawks wind up getting.

Will the playoffs showcase the 'Hawks squad that went into Nashville and raced out to a 4-0 advantage by the midpoint of the contest, or the team that squandered that lead and let the Predators tie the score minutes into the final period?

Is this team a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, or are we all April Fools to think the 'Hawks can be a postseason force?

Let's take a look at the Blackhawks as they are currently constructed and compare the best- and worst-case playoff scenarios.

Jonathan Toews

Serious Contender: The Blackhawks have played well without their captain, who has missed six weeks due to concussion symptoms. Toews has been given clearence to resume contact and could join the team before the regular season ends.

Chicago, already playing some of it's best hockey of the season, takes it up a notch. Toews leads the revitalized 'Hawks deep into the playoffs.

April Fool!: Toews can't pick up where he left off this season and is ineffective, or worse, not in the lineup at all after taking another hit a la Steve Montador. The team could also hold him out of the playoffs. This proves best in the long run, but equates to a short stay in the postseason.

Reality: Toews probably makes a return, and it's hard to bet against him being effective. It just depends on the captain's brain and how it handles NHL action.

The Defense

Serious Contender: Duncan Keith will soon be returning from a five-game suspension handed down by the league for the elbow he threw at Daniel Sedin. A well-rested Keith leads the defense as Chicago locks down the opposition. Keith, Brent Seabrook and Johnny Oduya log huge minutes, but it works.

April Fool!: Keith comes back more rusty than rested. Oduya wilts under the massive minutes he's played up until now for the Blackhawks. Steve Montador and Sami Lepisto aren't available for action, and Sean O'Donnell and Dylan Olsen are exploited in the playoffs.

Reality: Keith only makes the defense better when he returns. However, Chicago will still likely go as far as the back end is able to take them.

Corey Crawford

Serious Contender: Crawford reverts to 2011 playoff form, keeping his team in the tight playoff games and stealing a game or two.

April Fool!: Crawford opens the postseason with a shaky performance and loses confidence. Either Crawford or Ray Emery will be staring across the ice at a better goalie and fail to raise their games.

Reality: It looks like Crawford will be the man in net in the postseason, for better or for worse.

Dave Bolland and the Third Line

Serious Contender: Bolland drinks his own Kool-Aid, becoming the playoff monster we've convinced ourselves we're going to see. Bryan Bickell and Andrew Shaw team up with the Rat, and the checking line neutralizes everything thrown at it.

April Fool!: The playoff Bolland is nothing different from the regular season Bolland. Bickell goes back into hiding and Shaw's flaws are on full display.

Reality: The checking line has been improving lately, and Shaw has been better in his second stint with the team. Defense is at a premium in the playoffs. Maybe this line can continue its quest to pick up the intensity in the playoffs.

Viktor Stalberg

Serious Contender: Youngblood wreaks havoc on the opposition with his speed, leading to multiple goals and a Kris Versteeg-like offensive boost.

April Fool!: Youngblood wreaks havoc on his own team with senseless turnovers and foolish penalties.

Reality: Stalberg has really taken steps in many facets of his game this season. He could be a presence in the top six if he gets minutes there.

Special Teams

Serious Contender: The Blackhawks build upon the pair of power-play goals they tallied in Nashville. Inspired by Toews and Keith returning, the special teams make a difference in the playoffs.

April Fool!: Cue up the circus music.

Reality: When you own streaks of shot-less shifts when up a man and are even worse in the league standings in preventing power play goals, it's no laughing matter.

How Far Does Chicago Get?

Serious Contender: The 'Hawks, energized by a healthy Toews and Keith's fresh legs, defeat the Pacific Division champs to open the playoffs. They get past Vancouver or St. Louis in an epic seven-game series, then handle the Red Wings in six games to reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

April Fool!: Chicago is stymied by ______ (pick a goalie on whatever Pacific Division team wins the No. 3 seed) and falls in five games. Worse, the Blackhawks play well enough to earn home ice, draw Nashville and get crushed by the Predators anyway.

Reality: It will be here soon enough.That's why they go to the trouble of playing the games. All we know right now is that there will be postseason action at the United Center in a couple of weeks.