The Chicago Blackhawks haven’t been truly competitive in years. The team has not won a playoff series since its 2014-15 Stanley Cup season. Meanwhile the club missed the playoffs in seven of the last eight years, including each of the last five seasons. Three straight seasons under .400 hockey has tested the patience of their fans. However, change might finally be on the horizon.
The last time Chicago posted at least 30 wins and finished at .500 or better was the 2019–20 season. From that roster, Connor Murphy is the only player who remains. Can that change this year? Absolutely. However, it will require significant improvement in key areas of their game.
Let’s break down where they struggled in 2024–25, and what needs to happen for them to reach 30 wins and around 70 points in 2025–26.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The 2024–25 Blackhawks struggled across multiple statistical categories. Here are some of the most concerning numbers:
• Goal Differential: -68 (292 goals against, 224 goals for)
• Third-Period Goal Differential: -38
• Record When Trailing After Two Periods: 2–35–3
• Goals Against Per Game: 3.56 (2nd worst in NHL)
• 5-on-5 Play: Last in the league
• Road Record: 10–26–5
• Shots on Goal: 24.5 per game (last in NHL)
• Shots Against: 31.1 per game (3rd most)
• Shot Attempt Differential: -795 (worst in NHL)
• Faceoff Win Percentage: 44.8% (31st)
• Power Play: 24.9% (7th)
• Penalty Kill: 79.3% (14th)
Special teams were a bright spot, but at even strength, Chicago’s play wasn’t close to competitive enough.
Short-Term Goals and Realistic Expectations
If the Blackhawks want to take a step forward, the first benchmark should be 30 wins — five more than last season.
Reaching .500 hockey? That’s a much bigger leap. They would need 21 more points than last year, and given the state of the roster and the youth in key roles, that’s unlikely this season.
My prediction: If they focus on targeted improvements, 30 wins and 70 points are achievable. Here’s how they get there.
Key Area #1: Goal Differential
Last season, the Blackhawks scored 224 goals. I expect that number to rise to around 235 (+11) this year.
Defensively, it’s a bigger challenge. With a young defensive core, it’s unrealistic to expect a massive cut in goals against — but with Spencer Knight taking over as the No. 1 goalie, I believe they can reduce goals allowed from 292 to about 270 (-22).
That swing would improve the goal differential by +33, taking it from -68 to around -35. Even if they land closer to -50, it increases their chances of hitting 30 wins.
Key Area #2: Third-Period Collapses
A -38 goal differential in the third period is a red flag. The team often entered the third already trailing and rarely mounted comebacks.
This isn’t just a skill issue — it’s a mindset and conditioning issue. Too often, they looked like they had mentally checked out late in games. Playing full 60-minute hockey has to become a priority for Jeff Blashill’s staff.
Key Area #3: Puck Possession and 5-on-5 Play
The Blackhawks struggled to generate and sustain offense at even strength. Their shot attempt differential of -795 was the worst in the NHL, and it reflects how often they were chasing the puck rather than controlling it.
Improving 5-on-5 play means:
• Winning more puck battles
• Quicker defensive zone exits
• Cleaner neutral zone transitions
• More controlled zone entries rather than dump-and-chase
This is essential if they want to compete nightly.
Key Area #4: Faceoffs
A 44.8% faceoff win rate puts them near the bottom of the league. Losing faceoffs means chasing the puck immediately after the draw.
Yes, Chicago has young centers, and it’s a tough skill to master — but even small improvements in the circle can lead to better possession and fewer defensive zone shifts.
Blackhawks Systems and Strategy Adjustments
Blashill has decisions to make regarding defensive structure — whether to play man-to-man or a hybrid system. Whatever he chooses, execution will be key:
• Better net-front protection
• Quicker puck retrievals
• Stronger center support in the defensive zone
• Faster decisions to exit the zone
In the neutral zone, gap control has to improve, with defensemen stepping up earlier to disrupt plays.
On transition, there’s room for optimism. The young blueliners have speed and can join the rush effectively. Mistakes will happen, but this group should push for controlled entries and limit blind dump-ins
Offensive Zone Play and Size Factor
With nine forwards under 6’0”, the Blackhawks aren’t built for heavy forechecking. Instead, they should:
• Prioritize puck control over relentless physical pressure
• Shoot more often to create rebounds and chaos
• Keep the F3 high to support quick transition defense
• Use speed to pressure opponents into turnovers and recover pucks with positioning rather than brute force
Blackhawks Special Teams: Keep a Strength
The power play was a legitimate weapon last season at 24.9%, and the penalty kill was solid at 79.3%. Maintaining strong special teams is critical — if these units stay effective, they can keep Chicago in games even when 5-on-5 play isn’t perfect.
Final Thoughts
The Blackhawks’ focus should remain on development first, while tightening their overall game. That means:
• Maintaing focus to play a full 60 minutes
• Staying mentally engaged in the third period
• Improving puck possession and faceoffs
• Cutting the goal differential closer to -35 to -50
• Keeping special teams among the league’s better units
If these areas see real progress — and the young talent continues to develop — 30 wins and 70 points in 2025–26 are within reach.
The road back to relevance isn’t short — but if the Blackhawks can fix these key areas, they’ll be much closer to playing winning hockey than they’ve been in years. And in Chicago, that’s the first step toward building something bigger.
The one thing, it’s not something you can predict, is if the kids develop faster as a group than most kids do.
So, while I hope that happens, I agree with your article and I’ll be disappointed if they fail to reach these mileposts.
I apologize for the delayed reply. You’re absolutely right — development for any prospect isn’t linear, and each player progresses at their own pace.
This is actually my first time diving deep into the Chicago Blackhawks’ culture, staff, coaches, prospects, and players. I truly hope their development coaches are capable of guiding these young players — not just on the ice, but off the ice as well.
In today’s game, prospects need to learn how to be professionals in hockey. Teams are putting more emphasis on teaching that side of the game: work ethic, passion for hockey, healthy lifestyle habits, leadership skills, and so much more. All of these elements go hand in hand with on-ice performance and can help shape a young player into a leader early in their career.