The Blackhawks have achieved what was once thought impossible: they’re a realistic playoff contender, a team on the bubble that could sneak into the playoffs. What happens once they’re there depends on a few factors, and even their ability to get there requires the goaltenders to keep up this jockeying for the starter’s net, but even then, it may not be sustainable.
Chicago stumbled upon a great depth defensive pairing in Slater Koekkoek and Olli Maatta, who have put up a 55-percent Corsi For and 58.76-percent expected goal share, and have been the team’s statistically best pairing with more than 30 minutes of five-on-five time.