The Chicago Blackhawks‘ defense is not the same as their Stanley Cup runs. Before 2017, the Blackhawks had an elite defense with big names, names that are either gone with other teams or names that have regressed over the years.
Once the Blackhawks defense regressed, the team regressed. The more successful they were defensively, the more successful Chicago became, especially in their deep playoff runs.
If the Blackhawks need to outwork the Oilers defensively this series, as both teams have elite playmakers but lack a solid defensive core. In Chicago’s situation, they have Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad, two guys who play a two-way style, which could help slow down Connor McDavid.