This Day in Blackhawks History- April 20th Edition

2016-2017- Dickens said it best, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." It was also an omen of bad things to come. The Chicago Blackhawks entered the 2017 playoffs as the number one seed in the Western Conference. They truly looked like a team that could not possibly lose four games to any team in the league. The fourth Cup of the decade looked imminent. That, however, is why they play the games.

The Nashville Predators completed their sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks on this date in history, 4-1. It was the first sweep of a number one seed since the playoff format expanded. And, it was the beginning of the end for the once dominant Blackhawks.

In 2017, they ended the season with 109 points. The following years were far more lean. In 2018, they only earned 76 points. In 2019, 84 points. In 2020, 72 points (only 70 games). In 2021, 55 points in another shortened season. There are a myriad of reasons why the Chicago Blackhawks have taken major steps backward. That's a discussion for another day. However, April 20, 2017 marked the beginning of the end for the Hawks. While Hawks fans still held out hope, the Predators closed the championship window. Truly a day in infamy.