Here's what Blackhawks fans should be thankful for in 2020 originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
It’s the holiday season and, more specifically, the season of giving thanks. This year, a few things quickly come to mind that Blackhawks fans have to be thankful for.
The Hawks returned to the playoffs last season, upsetting the Oilers in their play-in series. And although the 2020-21 season is starting later than usual, the target date of Jan. 1 is on the horizon. We’re close, people.
But in addition to that, Hawks fans should be especially thankful for a few reasons.
Showtime
Patrick Kane announced the birth of his first son this month. Can you believe it? It only feels like yesterday when he was a 22-year-old rising superstar, leading the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup in 49 years. He may be 10 years older now, but Kane’s game hasn’t lost a step.
Last season, Kane scored 33 goals with 51 assists in just 70 games, adding nine more points (two goals) in the playoffs against Edmonton and Vegas.
If one thing is certain in life, it’s that watching Patrick Kane dangle on the ice will never get old. We can't wait to see more of that in 2021 and beyond.
Jonathan Toews is still Jonathan Toews
You know who else is 32? Jonathan Toews. And you know who else is still playing at a high level? (You see where we’re going with this).
Toews finished second on the Blackhawks in points last season, another good campaign from their longtime captain. He was a force in the playoffs, tallying nine points (five goals) and was instrumental in the Blackhawks taking down Edmonton.
The Blackhawks are moving forward with an eye on their young core taking another step and developing into their next championship team. Having Captain Serious in the fold sure doesn’t hurt.
Rising star
Besides getting back to the playoffs, a rewarding part of last season was Kirby Dach’s emergence in his rookie campaign. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft racked up 23 points (eight goals) and earned a bigger role in the bubble, logging nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game — he scored six points, with one goal.
The Blackhawks are high on Dach, who’s expected to be their No. 2 center behind Toews this upcoming season. But he has even more potential than that. Just ask one of his star teammates.
“He has all the potential in the world,” Kane said of Dach over the summer. “He can be a top player in the league.”
We’re thankful to be looking forward to that.
