Oh yes, it's the end of an era for the Chicago Blackhawks. Not only will the 2025-26 season close out a century of success for the Hawks, even if recent seasons turned out a little differently, they're also saying bye-bye to the 82-game schedule.
With the Hawks 100th season coinciding with the current scheduling format's demise, they're gonna face a little more pressure going forward. Why's that? Well, one reason for the two-game expansion is to set the stage for teams to play a more balanced schedule for divisional opponents.
While this may be polarizing for some, I've been all for increasing the number of divisional matchups to (presumably) four per team each year as opposed to limiting themselves to three matchups for select divisional opponents a good thing.
It allows us to see more games that matter instead of watching the B-squad wear their NHL affiliate's sweater for a few meaningless games. But, for a team in rebuilding mode like the Hawks, it's less-than optimal.
The 84-game schedule may not be kind to the Blackhawks early on
Again, the 84-game slate's not starting until next season, but the Hawks will still, by most standards be well in rebuilding mode. So, with a young team playing an 84-game schedule against a Central Division that's going to be tough in 2026-27, it presents yet another challenge.
But as I said a couple of days back when we found out the Hawks would kick off their 2025-26 season against the Florida Panthers, it's also an opportunity. Suppose the Predators break out of their slumber, the Mammoth get better, and the Blues and Wild at least maintain what they built last season.
I don't think I need to spend too much time on the Jets, Avalanche, and Stars, since they'll be good teams until the end of the decade. But such a scenario, a worst-case one, could leave the Hawks at a distant eighth in the division. At least on paper.
Chicago Blackhawks need to turn the final 82-game season and upcoming 84-game slates into opportunities
The first game of the 2025-26 season? Opportunity to knock off the defending champions in their own house. As for the upcoming 84-game schedule in 2026-27? Opportunity to knock off some of the toughest teams the NHL has to offer.
Maybe the Hawks will still be stuck in the 60-65-point range? But if they upset teams like Florida and take advantage of those two extra games in 2026-27, then they're progressing a little. They're showing fans that yes, they can go head-to-head with those in the Central Division and hand them a reality check.
So, I'm looking forward to seeing where the toughest stretches are as far as 2025-26 goes. But I'm even more excited to get through this season and look toward 2026-27, when the Hawks should be a little bit better, a little more confident, and a little more experienced. And it can and will lead to a few more upsets.
