10 Reasons Why The Chicago Blackhawks Will Repeat As Champions

Go Hawks!

Although the Blackhawks got rid of some big name players during the offseason, they certainly do not have a "Stanley Cup Hangover." Holding a solid second place in the league and first place in the Western Conference, the Hawks' record thus far is 31-13-4. Stan Bowman certainly knew what he was doing because this team gels really nicely. Tying the franchise record, they are on their eleventh consecutive win. At this pace, the Blackhawks are set to win yet another Stanley Cup, making "dynasty" a common word to be used when discussing this hockey franchise. I mean, come on, if you really think about it, who can really beat the Hawks in a best-of-seven series? Here are 10 reasons why they're going to repeat victory again this year.

1. Patrick Kane

ADVERTISING

Leading the league with a whopping 69 points just over halfway into the season, Kane has been a crucial part in leading the Hawks to all the success they have had. This caliber of play is almost unheard of since the Greztky era.

2. Artemi Panarin

This kid really knows how to play hockey. Often referred to as "the Russian Kane" or "Breadman" -- because his name sounds like Panera... Panera Bread... Breadman -- The rookie Panarin is one of the best players on the team.

3. Marian Hossa

Man, Hossa is a human fire hydrant. No matter how fast you skate at him and attempt to check him, you can't move him. He's like rooted into the ground. The veteran is an asset to the Hawks throughout the years he has been on the team. He knows how to protect the puck and can do it while stiff arming another player. He's just awesome.

4. Jonathan Toews

See guys, he's not so serious! But, thank god he's good at hockey! Toews is the best captain in the league. He leads by example and communicates with the team. With 19 goals and 16 assists, this captain is leading a team to another cup. Although the stats might not be as impressive as Kane, any hockey fan would be able to tell that Toews is the key to guiding the Hawks to success.

5. Corey Crawford

First of all, I would never be willing to put myself in front of a puck traveling at 100 miles per hour. Second of all, I'm definitely not as flexible as Crawford. He is leading the league in shutouts with six, fifth in the league for save percentage at 92.9 percent, closing my argument for one of the best goalies in the league. And hey, at least they found someone willing to put their body in front of a flying puck.

6. Duncan Keith

Last year, Keith won the Conn Smythe for Most Valuable Player. His average TOI per game was a whopping 31:06. He basically played half the game, non-stop. Although Keith's TOI is significantly lower this regular season, his presence on the ice is not overlooked.

7. Brent Seabrook

Seabrook has been one of the best defenseman in the league! He has 31 points so far this season, and is eighth in the league for point leaders by a defenseman.

8. Niklas Hjalmarsson

Niklas Hjalmarsson is the most underrated defenseman in the entire league. He blocks shots like nobody's business, skates ridiculously fast, hustles the most out of everyone, and it all pays off in the end. Coach Joel Quenneville gives him practices off to heal up for the next game because he takes such a beating each game.

9. Andrew Shaw

Small but mighty, Andrew Shaw is a force to be reckoned with. I am glad he's on our team, or else we would hate him. He is a pest on the ice if you're the other team. He fights for his teammates and is always on the hunt. When he's not happy with a call, he is always bickering with someone. He yells so much during the game that, "There are times when I almost have to tell him to shut up," says Patrick Kane about Shaw. Let's just let him do his thing and be glad he's with us.

10. Joel Quenneville

Joel Quenneville has been with the Hawks for eight years so far, with three more years guaranteed. As a matter of fact, he just signed another contract for the Hawks. Quenneville is arguably one one of the best coaches in the league and boy, does he sure entertain. He is the most animated out of all the coaches, but when he cracks a smile you can tell that he's not alway an angry guy. He has led the team to three Stanley Cups in the past six years and, God-willing, four in seven years. Let's have Q and his mustache reign in Chicago forever, shall we?

Go Hawks!