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Qualifier series vs. Oilers offers Blackhawks fans potential for rivalry again

For two weeks now, SB Nation websites have been examining sports rivalries across every level of every sport.

In the first half of the last decade, it was easy to talk about the Blackhawks rivals, because postseason matchups — especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs — are feeding grounds for bitter rivalries.

During the past two to three seasons for the Blackhawks, though, another lesson has emerged:

It’s hard to foster sports rivalries while residing at the bottom of league standings.

Lately, it seems like the Blackhawks biggest rivals have been establishing possession in the offensive zone during a power play and in-zone defensive coverage — and they’ve been getting blown out in both battles.