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2008-2009 Season Preview
Fan Commentary, by MrMiller
September 9, 2008
"Just wait until next year!"
It's an all too familiar battle cry among Chicago fans, particularly those fans of the Chicago Blackhawks. 'Next year' usually implies a delusional hope for positive change during the off-season or is simply used in an attempt to help save a bit of dignity in the face of missing the playoffs yet again. It's a phrase so entrenched in the mind's of Blackhawk fans after making the playoffs just once in 10 years that it's simply easier to say as opposed to admitting the truth: that Chicago is no where near where they were 20, or even 10, years ago.
'Next year', however, is now; it's 'this year'. There have been far too many good things surrounding this team that to even consider anything else is near hockey blasphemy. The Chicago Blackhawks aren't a cup contending team, they're not even a division contender yet, but they're certainly a team on the rise, the talk of the NHL and more importantly they're back in the hearts of the long-lost fans in Chicago.
In just one year since long time owner Bill Wirtz passed away, the changes have been nothing short of incredible:
- Bob Pulford removed from his position as Senior Vice President (replaced by new President John McDonough)
- Season ticket sales have increased about 350%- from 3,400 to 12,000
- The Blackhawks will host Detroit (sucks) in this years Winter Classic January 1, 2009
- Cross marketing with the White Sox and Cubs has proven extremely successful
- General Manager Dale Tallon actually went over the salary cap with the signings of top free agents Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet (unheard of in the Bill Wirtz era)
What does this mean heading into the 2008-2009 season? Who knows? That's why the season needs to be played, but be assured that the excitement generated off the ice is clearly expected to translate well on the ice.
Avoiding the sophomore slump.
 The Blackhawks will live (or die) on the shoulders of 2-year phenom Jonathan Toews (24g, 30a, 54pts). Recently named the 3rd-youngest captain in NHL history, Toews shows a sense of maturity beyond his 21 years. People sometimes talk of the added pressures of wearing the "C" - don't look for that in Toews. The kid will be fine and barring injury, will continue to produce.
Former number one pick and Calder Trophy winner Patrick Kane (21g, 51a, 71pts) is another player expected to take his game to the next level. Reports say he's bulked up nicely from his 5'10", 163 pound frame from a year ago. It's tough to expect higher numbers from a second year player, but it's not difficult to imagine that Kane will continue to be the exception to the rule.
Dale Tallon's "New Math": $12.375 million x 2 Goalies = Big Headache
To the dismay of the young goaltender-in-waiting Corey Crawford and the overpaid Russian Nikolai Khabibulin, the Blackhawks signed free agent Cristobal Huet (2.69 GAA in 2007) to a 4-year deal at $5.625 million per. It will be interesting to watch how this plays out. Despite stating he's content with 22% of the team's allotted salary going to a starting goaltender and his backup, Tallon has to know that he can't go into the season with that much of a noose around his payroll as well as having a Russian whiner with a history of being a complete distraction. Look for Khabibulin to be traded. Unfortunately, look for him to be traded for far less than he might actually be worth.
(Not-so) Special Teams
The Blackhawks finished 24th in the league last year with a 15.9% power play conversion. When defending the power play, they finished in the middle of the pack at #17 (82.1%). Simply put, this has to improve. Playoff teams and Stanely Cup winners usually have successful special teams.
In an attempt to address the power play, the team signed Buffalo/San Jose free agent Brian Campbell (8g, 54a, 62pts) to quarterback the #1 power play unit. At $7.1 million, it might not be easy to completely figure out his return on investment, but his play while being a man or two down, will be a big factor in the success of the Blackhawks this season.
Drum Roll please...
In 2003, the Blackhawks finished with 59 points. In 2005, 65 points. In 2006 and 2007 - 71 and 88 points respectively. That increase hasn't been fast enough for many Chicago fans and yet this year, fans don't really care about points. They want the team to get into the playoffs. If it takes 100 points, which in the Western Conference might actually be a possibility, so be it.
Prediction #1: The Blackhawks will finish with 92 points.
Detroit (sucks) has won the Central Division for seven straight seasons. Nashville has been runner-up for four. The Wings are still the team to beat, but look for Nashville to find themselves on the outside looking in as the Blackhawks are in prime position to begin their climb to dethrone Detroit.
Prediction #2: The Blackhawks will finish a distant 2nd in the Central Division behind those pathetic Red Wings.
Martin Havlat (10g, 17a, 27pts) is one of the most skilled hockey players not only in the NHL, but also the world. When he's healthy, he is a joy to watch on the ice and 100 points in a season is not out of the question. But when has he been truly healthy in the last three seasons? He played 18 games in 2005, 56 in 2006 and a mere 35 last season. Signing Havlat to a 3-year, $18 million deal, was a huge risk for Tallon and one that has clearly back-fired. If Havlat were an honorable man, he'd refund alot of that money back so guys like Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith and James Wisniewski stay in Chicago for years to come.
Prediction #3: Martin Havlat gets hurts before Thanksgiving and finishes the season with less than 50 games played.
A second place finish in the Central and 92 points aren't necessarily guarantees that Chicago will make the playoffs in the usually tough Western Conference. Teams like Dallas, Minnesota, San Jose, Detroit, Anaheim, and Edmonton are sure to grab a spot leaving the 'Hawks to fight for one of the remaining two openings. Even getting in #8 will make this a successful season.
Prediction #4: They get in at #7.
And finally...
 With ticket sales skyrocketing and sell-outs sure to be a common site at the United Center - a new wave of fans (some old and many new) will find Tommy Hawk to be both disturbing and annoying.
Prediction #5: Management will continue not to care.
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