Chicago Blackhawks 2017 Stanley Cup favorites? That is definitely not something the rest of the NHL wants to hear going into the playoffs. They’ve already seen enough of this team over the past seven years, watching it win three Stanley Cup championships. Yet here they are a again. The Hawks are tied for the second-most wins in the entire league and will hold home ice advantage through the Western Conference playoffs.
Given that and their long experience of winning in recent years, it’s understandable why people might be confident in their chances. According to the latest Las Vegas odds, the Blackhawks are now the favorites to hoist Lord Stanley for an unprecedented fourth time. The excitement over that prospect is beyond belief.
Per @BovadaLV, Stanley Cup odds: pic.twitter.com/8TbxCPJBOk
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 10, 2017
Why the Blackhawks 2017 Stanley Cup favorites is no joke
As always it was their star-studded trio of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith leading the way. Kane scored 34 goals and dished out 55 assists by himself. Toew and Keith were again two of the best defenders at their respective positions. The ageless wonder Marion Hossa provided a vintage year with 26 goals of his own.
The real excitement though is over the youth movement across much of the roster. Artemi Panarin, the “Bread Man” himself is blossoming into a superstar in his own right. He trailed just behind Kane with 31 goals and 43 assists of his own. Ryan Hartman (22) and Nick Schmaltz (21) became much bigger factors as the season progressed as well.
The Hawks have that much-desired mix of championship veteran experience and emerging youthful talent. Throw in home ice and it’s hard not to feel at least a little confident that they can make another run at the Cup. Plenty of hard work still lay ahead. No doubt the bumps and bruises that come with it. Still, it’s going to be another great ride for sure.
First up will be their longtime nemesis Nashville Predators in the quarterfinals.
