Chicago Blackhawks
It’s still hard to believe that the Stanley Cup journey started by sweeping the Blackhawks. Hate to say it, but an embarrassing sweep isn’t going to fade them away.
The Blackhawks will remain one of the better teams in the league next year. Don’t even be surprised if they once again win the division and take another top seed to the playoffs. Their roster is stacked from top to bottom with talent. The Vegas oddsmakers have them as having the second-best odds to win it all, only behind the Penguins:
2018 Stanley Cup Updated Odds#Pens 9/1#Blackhawks 12/1#Oilers 12/1#Lightning 12/1#Caps 12/1#NHLDucks 14/1https://t.co/9xAZ0oxNRw
— Las Vegas Sports Betting (@lasvegasbetting) July 24, 2017
You can’t discount their roster that looks more like that of an all-star team than an average roster. When we saw the Predators sweep that ridiculously talented roster, we knew they were legit.
Instead of a first-round meeting, the Preds will have to probably take them out later in the playoff bracket. That’s not to mention battling for a division crown. Expect that race to be much closer this season.