After winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks sneaked into the post-season last year with the Dallas Stars' inability to beat the Minnesota Wild one last time. Unfortunately for the 'Hawks, they met the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. The team put up a great fight, but were ultimately defeated in an exciting Game Seven OT by Alexandre Burrows. He'll be sure to send a thank you card to Chris Campoli for that one. Joel Quenneville has plenty of coaching experience in the NHL. He's been the boss behind the bench in Chicago for the past three seasons, going 141-73-28. Stan Bowman, son of legend Scotty Bowman, has been the general manager of this club since the summer of 2009. Bowman and Quenneville understand the game and want nothing more than another Cup for this franchise. This off-season, management addressed some roster issues and made several moves to improve the lineup. Don't expect the Blackhawks to just squeak by this season. They will be successful.
The first two lines for the 'Hawks are extremely talented, beginning with two, young superstars: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The captain and highest scorer for the team, Jonathan Toews, leads by example. He plays both sides of the puck incredibly well. He put up 76 points last season AND was nominated for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. His positive-25 last season was easily the highest of any Blackhawk forward. He's a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, so pressure doesn't affect his play at all. In fact, it appears to motivate him. Toews will likely be a Hall of Famer eventually, although it may be far too early to tell at the age of 23. I expect him to lead the Blackhawks every shift he's in the lineup for the rest of his career. There simply isn't a better option. The other youngster, Patrick Kane, is one of the smoothest hockey players I've ever seen. He's not physical or intimidating, but his speed, stick-handling and sniping abilities command respect from opponents. I couldn't name another player in the league that's better at setting up the power play than Kane. He knows exactly what to do with the puck and rarely makes mistakes in the offensive zone. The only downside I can find about this forward is his hesitation to engage along the boards. I'd like to see Kane battle in front more, but I'm sure that makes 'Hawk fans a tad nervous. Anticipate another strong season from him with around 80 points. Marian Hossa is as solid as they come. Like Toews, he plays well offensively but doesn't sacrifice any defensive abilities. He is definitely one of the best back-checkers in the game. Add to this how quickly he gets off his snap/wrist shot and you have a deadly combination of skills. His long-term contract "ensures" he'll be a 'Hawk for a long while. Patrick Sharp was resigned over the summer to a five-year deal totaling $29.5 million. He's a veteran who has been in the league for eight NHL seasons, but is just now starting to show his true colors. In the past four seasons, Sharp has averaged just over 60 points per year. Twenty-six of his 71 points were scored on the power play last year. His numbers should look about the same this coming season. Dave Bolland is an underrated player in the NHL. His name gets lost amongst the superstars in the lineup, but shouldn't. He's an incredibly valuable player in the faceoff circle, on the penalty kill and even strength. His concussion and general injury history is a bit of a concern, but as long as he remains healthy, he should have a breakout campaign. The Blackhawks were able to dump Brian Campbell's ridiculous salary onto Florida in exchange for Rostislav Olesz. Olesz has never had more than 30 points in a season - a difficult accomplishment playing in Florida - but has the size and skill to make an impact in the lineup, especially on a talented team in Chicago. Michael Frolik is another player on the verge of a breakout season. He came over to the 'Hawks in February last year and only put up nine points in 28 games, but has the talent to increase that if given more opportunities. Andrew Brunette was a steal of a signing this summer. He agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract. Playing on one of the top two lines in Chicago should provide him with every chance to succeed. He's a talented, hard-working veteran who's going to be a menace around the net. Viktor Stalberg is coming into his third season in the NHL. He has the potential to be an impact player, but averaging only ten minutes of ice time per game won't do much for his cause. On such a deep team, I'm not sure he's going to get enough time to increase his output. Ben Smith only played in six regular season games and seven playoff games last year, but was able to record four points - not too shabby. I seem to recall Smith turning a few heads in the playoffs. Look for more of that this season. Daniel Carcillo and Jamal Mayers were brought in for one reason: protection. With a ton of talent up front, someone has to do the dirty work and these two players thrive on it. Byron Bickell is a big body with soft hands. I'm really looking forward to his progression in the lineup. He's proven he can keep up with some of the best on this team. For Bickell, I don't think 40-45 points is out of the question this season. Brandon Segal has done a bit of traveling in the NHL, but hopes to find his place in Chi-Town.
Offensive Score: A-/B+
On defense, this club has two of the best defensemen in the game: Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Both are incredible athletes with a sound mind for the game. Keith will be an eventual Norris Trophy winner. He had a bit of a "down" season last year with 45 points, but moves the puck extremely well, especially on the power play. Expect him to return to his 60-point form this season. Seabrook is his NHL and Olympic defensive partner. He put up 48 points last year - the best of his career. He also is an essential element on the power play and should continue this high level of play for many years to come. Both of these individuals play about 25 minutes a night, so opponents should become familiar with their faces. Last summer the Blackhawks matched an offer sheet presented to Nick Hjalmarsson by the San Jose Sharks, paying him $3.5 million per season for four years. Although only 24 with room to grow, his salary doesn't match his contribution. He only had ten points last season. He's still a reliable defenseman in his own end, but the organization expects more from him this coming season. Steve Montador was signed as a restricted free agent to a surprising four-year deal averaging $2.5 million per year. Montador is a hard-nosed player who easily gets under the other team's skin. He protects the goalie as well - a valuable and appreciated characteristic for a defenseman. Nick Leddy had a solid rookie campaign with the 'Hawks last season, but this year should be even better as he learns from the talented veterans ahead of him in the lineup. The same can be said for Sami Lepisto. He was signed as an unrestricted free agent and has become a better player every year. Playing for the 'Hawks is only going to expedite his progression. Rounding out the defense are Sean O'Donnell and John Scott. O'Donnell was also signed as an unrestricted free agent this summer to a one-year deal worth $850,000. He's a mean, hard-hitting, veteran defenseman with a bit of an offensive upside. He'll be a valuable addition on and off the ice. Scott is an intimidating, versatile monster who can play on offense and defense. He's 6'8" and weighs 258 pounds. Get out of the way!
Defensive Score: A-
Last year, Corey Crawford had a tremendous season, posting an average of only 2.3 goals against per game and a save percentage just under 92. He went 33-18-6 - an impressive showing for a rookie goaltender expected to backup Marty Turco. If he continues to play at this level, I expect the 'Hawks to climb the standings very quickly. Alexander Salak is backing up Crawford this season, but has only played two NHL games in Florida with no wins. It will be interesting to see how many games he gets this season, especially if Ray Emery is still in the mix.
Goaltending Score: B
The Chicago Blackhawks may be better than predicted.
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