After winning it all last spring, the Blackhawks look to do something that hasn't been done since the Detroit Red Wings did it in 1997 and 1998, and that's win the Stanley Cup two years in a row. It might be one of most difficult things to achieve in sports, but the Blackhawks will once again challenge for the Western Conference crown.
The ForwardsFollowing an off-season of trades and player movement, the Chicago Blackhawks look a little thinner up front, but were successful in locking in their core players. GM Stan Bowman was pressured by the NHL's salary cap to move out some of Chicago's role players. Fan favourite, Dustin Byfuglien, better known for his explosive in your face playoff performance, was shipped to the Atlanta Thrashers along with Andrew Ladd and Ben Eager.
However, Chicago has some of the best players in the game to build around. Ensuring that they will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Centreman Jonathan Toews, the teams captain, is in my opinion one of the best all-around players in the NHL. He can score, pass, back check, win faceoffs, kill penalties, and provide a quite leadership role. Toews does have the potential to score 40 goals and 40 assists, but the 75 point range is most likely where Toews will finish this season.
On the right wing next to Toews, the dynamic speedster Patrick Kane has shown that he is one of the best offensive players in the game. His blinding speed and soft hands make him dangerous around opposing nets. Kane is a solid 80+ point performer. Toews and Kane make up two-thirds of one of the NHL's most solid lines. With Tomas Kopecky slated to play on Chicago's first line, we should also see a jump in his numbers.
Chicago's second line is also solid, with dependable veterans, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa scoring goals and killing penalties. Chicago's second line would in fact be good enough to be most other teams' first line. This is a testament to the depth of this Chicago club.
The DefenseAnother major reason the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup was due to their defense. One of the best duo's in the NHL has to be Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. With Keith's puck-moving ability, precise passes, and smooth skating he has cemented himself as one of the premier defensemen in the league. Defense partner, Brent Seabrook doesn't make the score sheet like Keith does, but makes up for all that with his steady defensive play, and toughness. While Keith will be in the 60 point range, Seabrook will be closer to 30, but with more PIM's and a strong plus/minus.
When talking about Chicago's defense, it's impossible to leave out the solid Niklas Hjalmarsson. He had a great playoff last spring, and proved to everyone that he is a top-four defenseman. His partner on the blueline, will most likely be Brian Campbell. Campbell is a great defenseman, amazing skater, and great passer, but his large contract overshadows his play. All in all, Chicago has a phenomenal top-four that will help keep Chicago competitive for years to come.
The GoaliesIn the offseason, the Blackhawks walked away from Stanley Cup winning goaltender, Antti Niemi and sent the disgruntled Cristobal Huet to Europe. Going into the 2010-2011 season with a new goaltending duo, veteran Marty Turco will be expected to provide a solid presence in goal. However, at age 35, Turco's best years are behind him.
This is why Corey Crawford will be given the opportunity to make some starts this year. As a solid goaltending prospect, this season will be a good transition to the NHL for Crawford. He will be able to make some starts, and also learn from a solid person like Marty Turco. As back-up, Crawford should prove more than worthy.
The ScoopThe Blackhawks are undoubtedly one of the best young teams in the NHL and will be for some time to come. Despite losing some good players, most were merely role players who are easier to replace than if the Hawks had lost, Toews, Kane, Sharp, or Keith. With good scouting and management, the Hawks are in great shape to compete in the playoffs for a while.
My prediction: 1st in the West. The West is going to be tough as always, but this team solid.
No comments:
Post a Comment