One of the most exciting components of the Chicago Blackhawks’ season has been their balanced scoring attack. Patrick Kane of course leads the team but he hasn’t been the only weapon in their offense. Six different players have reached the 20 goal mark in 2016-2017, with one more on pace.
This is the first time the organization has had six 20 goal scorers in one season since 2009-2010. A remarkable mark for a remarkable Stanley Cup winning team, but still not a team record.
The Blackhawks have had as many as seven 20 goal scorers in a season, on three occasions (1968-69, 1981-82 and 1984-85). Unfortunately, none of those were Stanley Cup winning seasons.
Rookie Ryan Hartman needs two more goals to join Patrick Kane, Artemi Panarin, Marian Hossa, Artem Anisimov, Jonathan Toews and Richard Panik in the club.
Hartzy has 18 goals through 68 games for a .26 gpg average. If he plays the last 9 games at that average he will reach the mark. There are no guarantees in hockey but we’re cheering for the local fella. He probably receives a performance bonus for the mark.
In an era low on scoring, unlike the 1980s when the Blackhawks accomplished this feat twice, this would be the best offensive lineup in team history. Players now have to compete with advances in goalie equipment, size and goaltending styles. No offense to the boys back then, but goalies back then played terrible.
50 goals scorers are nearly extinct, 40 is where the truly elite hover and 30 is for superstars. The 20 goal mark is where the very good players hang around. NHL players are averaging 7 goals this season and only 78 players, as of March 22, have 20 or more.
In the grand scheme of things, only winning the Stanley Cup matters but having seven 20 goal scorers would be noteworthy. This Blackhawks team has the firepower to match any team in in their rich history and in the league.
You can add this to the list of reasons I believe the Blackhawks will win the Stanley Cup.
