Five Blackhawks rookies leading the charge for Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks are having a successful season right now, and it’s thanks in large part to their rookies that they find themselves playing so well.

Stan Bowman called for a rebuild this past offseason. He tried to give fans the idea that things were going to get worse before they got better, but through 14 games this season the Blackhawks have been exciting and ready to play.

There are many pieces that can play a role in Chicago’s success. Head coach Jeremy Colliton seems to finally have this squad under control and play the way he wants. It gets the effort and success of the players. The leaders of Kane and Keith have not abandoned this group and continue to lead by example.

Hopefully these two plays happen this season, however successful the team may be, the x factor involved was the young players. Bowman left the Blackhawks exposed this offseason when he traded Brandon Saad and failed to bring Corey Crawford back.

His moves made new players shine and shine that they definitely have. Let’s take a look at the five rookies who lead the ‘Hawks to success.

Kevin lankinen

Kevin Lankinen is making a name for himself in the net with the ‘Hawks. After starting this season as the bottom goalie of Chicago’s three goaltenders, Lankinen jumped to the front of the list and made his home in the compound.

Lankinen has been a very impressive goaltender so far in Chicago. In nine career starts with the team, he has a .933 save percentage and a 5-1-3 record. Lankinen had not played a game in the NHL before this season.

This is a case where Stan Bowman seems to have been right. While it hurts to see a fan favorite like Corey Crawford leave town, it has opened the door for a new person to come and prove why she deserves the net.

It should be noted that Lankinen is not the only goalkeeper to have played well too. After a few tough games for the season, Subban seems to have things under control and performed better in later starts. If Subban can be successful even as a secondary goaltender, that would be great for the success of this team in the future.