A season that began with so much promise and hope for the Blackhawks will end Tuesday night in an all-too-familiar fashion–outside the playoffs. With one more game before they put the wraps on a forgettable season, here are a few highlights, with lowlights to match:
Best game
Believe it or not, there are a handful to choose from, from the shootout win at Atlanta in December to the overtime thriller at Detroit in March. But perhaps the best 48 hours the Hawks played this season were Nov. 18 and 19–back-to-back wins at Calgary and Edmonton.
Worst game
Many more options here. You couldn’t go wrong with the 9-1 rout at Dallas in November, or the 6-0 loss at Nashville in February or the 7-3 drubbing by Detroit just last week. But the 3-2 loss to Columbus at the United Center in the third game of the season has to take the prize. A poor effort so early in the season set the tone for a team work ethic that was questioned in the critical first two months.
Best surprise
The play of rookie defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook offers some hope. In his second year of professional hockey, winger Rene Bourque had a solid season and proved he belonged in the NHL.
Worst surprise
None of the free agents signed the last two summers distinguished himself, let alone turned the franchise around.
Disappearing act
Pavel Vorobiev had four goals in the first three games and looked on his way to a monster rookie season. But after a strong first couple of months, he injured his ankle while blocking a shot, and his season turned for the worse. He was sent down to Norfolk before the Olympic break and hasn’t been seen since.
Seizing the opportunity
Rookie defenseman Dustin Byfuglien could be on his way to becoming a fan favorite. The hulking 6-foot-3-inch, 240-pounder has been one of the brightest stories in the last month of the season with his physical play and skating ability. A potential diamond in the rough could force his way onto the roster next season.
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