Blackhawks have exact same record they did at this time last year

[FBTW]

Blackhawks fans began to panic as the team dropped four games in a five-game span from Oct. 29 through Nov. 6.

But fear not, Chicago. At 8-6-1 overall, the Blackhawks have the exact same record they had after 15 games a year ago.

As you might recall, that season ended like this:

There is one notable difference, however. Last season, Chicago surrendered 28 goals through 15 games. This year, the Blackhawks have allowed 38.

They’ve given up nearly four goals per game during their past six.

The return of Duncan Keith will certainly give the defense an added boost. Keith has missed Chicago’s past nine games after undergoing knee surgery on Oct. 20.

He’ll miss at least one more when the Blackhawks take on the Devils on Thursday, but coach Joel Quenneville said he’s hopeful Keith can return for Saturday’s game at St. Louis.

[nicelink url=”http://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks-hockey/7/71/1083199/duncan-keith-skates-first-time-since-injury”]

At 17/2, Chicago has the fourth-best odds to win the 2016 Stanley Cup, according to VegasInsider.com.

The Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers are each at 8/1.

[FBTW]