Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Reasons They're Still a Stanley Cup Contender

The Chicago Blackhawks have certainly been an up-and-down club in recent outings. A big game in St. Louis followed by a shaky home performance against Phoenix three days later.

The 'Hawks show flashes of a team that could go deep into the playoffs this spring. They've also resembled a team uninterested in the postseason at times.

Chicago is in New York on Thursday for a rematch with the Islanders, who the Blackhawks defeated in a sloppy affair six days ago. The same questions—defense and special teams—have been nipping at the team for a while now.

Add a slumping Corey Crawford to the mix, and some would say that this team is not a serious contender for the Stanley Cup despite leading the Central Division heading into Thursday's action. Chicago is tied for second in the league with 36 points, but it's all smoke and mirrors, some say.

Here's my case for Chicago being a contender come spring, despite the bumpy ride we've been subjected to as of late.

5. The 'Hawks Are Showing Moxie in the Third Period

Chicago was terrible at closing out opponents a season ago. Though they have gotten off to some bad starts this season, they have been a vastly better team in the third period.

There was a big comeback win in Anaheim, but even without that big win, the 'Hawks have been strong in the final period. Chicago has scored 30 third-period goals on the season, one-third of their overall total.

The Blackhawks have played from behind frequently, but they've picked up valuable points by being around at the end of games.

4. The Power Play Is Improving

The woes of the special teams has been well documented, but there have been encouraging signs.

The power play, once languishing at the bottom of the league, has picked it up and is now converting at a more respectable 19 percent. That puts the 'Hawks into the top 10 in the league in the man-advantage.

Chicago's power play unit has four goals in 14 chances in their three games this month. The penalty kill is still an issue, but did produce a short-handed goal in two of the last three games.

3. Stan Bowman Has the Room to Pick Up Missing Pieces

Bowman is currently holding the ace of substantial cap space up his sleeve. It's all a matter of finding the right time to utilize that wiggle room.

There seems to be several holes to fill on both sides of the puck right now. I believe that Bowman is going to continue to wait until he sees one need take priority and address it closer to the trade deadline.

Will that need be a center, power forward or a defenseman? As long as Chicago continues to pick up points consistently, I think Bowman gives the team the time to sort that out.

2. Jonathan Toews

Toews is carrying this team right now, with help from Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp. This foursome are all among the top-25 scorers in the league and have provided the bulk of Chicago's offense this season.

Toews is one of the leagues best two-way players, and he's tied for the league lead in goals. He's leading the Blackhawks in every way he can.

If Toews is in uniform down the stretch, don't count them out.

1. It's Too Early to Declare Chicago out of the Hunt

The NHL season holds many twists and turns. The truth is, we don't know what the 'Hawks are going to look like in a few months.

There has been reason for concern to be sure, but the fact that Chicago keeps picking up points also has to be considered. Right now the Blackhawks have not been playing with the consistency of a champion, but even great teams struggle at some point during the season.

Look at the Red Wings and Bruins earlier this season. Dallas and Edmonton have fallen back to earth. The 'Hawks have been near or at the top of the Western Conference for much of the way so far. They haven't dominated on a lot of nights, but 36 points has to count for something.

There's too much road ahead of us to discount the Blackhawks as a contender. All we can do is settle in for the inevitable hills and valleys ahead.