Blackhawks’ Road Trip Could Shape Davidson’s Next Move
The Chicago Blackhawks’ 4-10-1 start has put pressure on general manager Kyle Davidson as the team begins a difficult road trip against Florida, Tampa Bay and Carolina on November 3.
Chicago’s 4-10-1 record after a loss to Colorado has intensified questions about whether general manager Kyle Davidson will make changes to the coaching staff or roster. The Blackhawks have the NHL’s second-worst record, while their minus-25 goal differential is tied for the league’s worst. Their shot differential is minus-110, second from the bottom.
The club is well behind its preseason hopes of contending for a playoff place or remaining in the race deep into the season. Projection models put Chicago’s playoff chances below 1% and estimate a 66-point finish, six fewer than last season. Fans have voiced frustration, including a small “fire Blashill” chant during the Colorado game. Connor Bedard acknowledged that the players are frustrated, too.
The team now faces three top opponents on the road: the Panthers, Lightning and Hurricanes. Chicago will have injured stars Patrick Kane and Bowen Byram sidelined, and is expected to be an underdog in each game. The Blackhawks did win in Tampa Bay and Raleigh last season, however. Several victories could ease pressure on Davidson; a return with a 4-13-1 record could make a response harder to defer.
A four-day break between games next week could provide a convenient window for changes, with practices before Buffalo visits on November 12 giving any new coaches or players time to adjust. Davidson has shown patience and received a contract extension from chairman Danny Wirtz in April. Rookie Roman Kantserov, who is on a five-game point streak, said the NHL’s 84-game schedule is demanding compared with the KHL’s 68-game season.