2008 Season Thoughts: Slapshot
The 2009-10 season begin with many expectations as well as many questions. We had a new goalie and a new defenseman. Which created a huge problem but let's not get into that.
This was a great season of Blackhawk hockey. For the first time in 12 years we made a playoff push. A lot of new things happened as well. We got ourselves a new captain. A new coach. A new outlook on what Blackhawk hockey should be. Here are my grades:
Captain Jonathan Toews #19: Grade A
This guy is Mr. Everything. He's a leader, responsible, and everything any team would want in a player. What he put on the score sheet doesn't speak of how great a player he is.
Forward Patrick Kane #88: Grade A-
This guy is so dynamic. He's a force at 5'10" 170. That's being kind about his height and weight. What people fail to realize when talking about his game (Beerfan) is he's 20 years old. He is nowhere near the potential he will reach in 4, 5 seasons down the line or maybe even sooner than that.
Your best line (WHAT?!): Grade A++
- LW: Andrew Ladd #16
- C: Dave Bolland #36
- RW Marty Havlat #24
These guys were unbelievable when you consider they were tossed together because Havlat really didn't have a centre man. Then they grew into the best and most consistent line we had. Game One of the playoffs it really showed. As Ladd and Bolley both played a huge role in both Havlat goals. Going into the offseason the question is how much do you pay to keep #24. The answer is pretty simple. #88 and #19 are more important. You keep Havlat at a price that still makes it possible to keep the cornerstones of the organization. Make no mistake this is Toews team and Kane is his wingman. More than 5 million a year Marty? Seeya later.
Duncan Keith #2: Grade A++++++++++++++++++
This guy is the most important player on the team. Enough said.
Brian Campbell #51: Grade B-
While expensive he is exactly what I thought he was going to be. After watching him in the playoffs with Buffalo a few years ago when they had Drury and Briere you realize that the season Brian Campbell had is exactly what Brian Campbell is. Worth 7 million a year. No. A good hockey player who goes out there and tries to play to his strengths. Yes! He had a good playoff and is a leader in that locker room. I just hope he doesn't cost us our most important defenseman in the long run.
Kris Versteeg #32: Grade C+
VerBeauty is at his best when he skates and continues to skate. No more dangling at the blue line Steeger. If you do that you and I will be cool. Then I'd give you a higher grade. Outside of that I knew in the offseason that someone who we didn't expect would have to step up for this team. I mentioned VerBeauty as one of the players who could do this. His game will get better and with better line mates who play to his strengths we have a player in my opinion who can score 30 goals a season. Time will tell.
Goaltending:
Habby and Huet
Both were good. Habby was better but I am comfortable giving the reins to Huet next season. As long as one of the young guys finally get a chance. Moving on.
In conclusion, this was a great season and I am really looking forward September when camp opens for the 2009-10 season (especially considering my baseball team is playing .500 ball and beating up Gatorade machines).
Hey Detroit have fun for now. We are coming to take over bitches. Your time will be coming to an end. So enjoy the Cup, it'll be coming to Chicago very soon. The takeover begins October 2009! LETS GO HAWKS!
Slapshot254
Previous Page