Chicago Blackhawks in Danger of Missing the Postseason?

The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup last year for the first time since 1961. The season was a great one as they stole the division from central rivals the Detroit Red Wings for the first time since it was changed from the Norris Division. They beat other Central Division foe Nashville Predators in the first round, then beat the star studded Vancouver Canucks and then went onto win the Western Conference Final against the San Jose Sharks. Chicago then proceeded to beat the Philadelphia Flyers in 6 games to win the Stanley Cup.

That was last year though and times have changed a lot since then. The Blackhawks were not thinking long term with that team last year and if they hadn't of won it last year they would be in even worse shape. As many people have said before they "Bought a Cup" which seems to be the truth the more we get deeper into the season. The Hawks got rid of starting lineup players such as Dustin Byfuglein, Ben Eager, Brent Sopel, Colin Fraser, Kris Versteeg, John Madden, Andrew Laad and the player who caught fire and was a huge reason they got there Antti Niemi. That's a lot of talent to slip away. 

So it does appear the Blackhawks did buy a team and now are not performing up to par this season. I mean this with all due respect too because the Hawks have brought a lot of attention to the NHL and the game of hockey. The thing is now they have to kick into gear and play as a team and find the role players they need to get them into the playoffs.

As teams like the Red Wings know your role players have to be you role players. The Blackhawks had just that last year. Just look at names like Kris Versteeg, Colin Fraser and John Madden. All great defensive forwards who are under appreciated by the moderate fan and don't realize the impact they have on the game. Most people claim at the beginning of the season was they still have Toews, Kane, Hossa, and Keith. All great players but you cannot win in the NHL with just 4 or 5 players. Anymore the "New NHL" is so diverse that you need every type of player to be champions just like the Hawks were last year. 

The Blackhawks need to do a better job of managing a team and its salary so they can keep role players on and not rely on 5 guys getting them there. Although the Blackhawks have done a complete 180 on this franchise since 2005 they need to take the next step again if they want to be one of the consistent elite teams like the Red Wings or Penguins. They may need to start this transformation at the deadline by picking up some players that can help them keep playing hockey in April.