2009 Season Preview and Predictions: MrMiller
Whichever higher power you believe in - God, Allah, Buddha, Elvis or Dan Brown - take a moment to thank Him for the upcoming Chicago Blackhawks season. It might not prove to be as exciting as this past summer, but it certainly is one we're all looking forward to.
New faces are a given as players come and go in today's salary-cap and free agent environment. Management, front-office and coaching changes are in constant fluctuation - especially those not originally hired by Team President John McDonough himself (a.k.a. McEgo, McCub, McPulford). Change is inevitable in professional sports, and as the Blackhawks have taught us: the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Out with the old, in with the new.
General Manager Dale Tallon was fired this past summer and replaced with 36 year old Stan Bowman (the offspring of NHL legend Scottie Bowman). The firing itself wasn't necessarily a surprise, but the timing, backpedaling and aftermath that took place by McEgo and the organization most definitely was.
The story is that Tallon was fired for not sending out qualifying contract offers to the team's restricted free agents in a timely manner. Don't believe it; not even for an instance. The good ol' boy network still exists in Chicago. Only now, it's gotten just a bit younger.
On the roster, the team added unrestricted free agents Marian Hossa, Tomas Kopecky and John Madden. They said good-bye to Martin Havlat, Nikolai Khabibulin, Matt Walker and Craig Adams. More on this in a moment.
Offensive expectations.
This team is built to score and score often. Captain Jonathan Toews led the team with 34 goals in 2008. Patrick Sharp netted 26; Patrick Kane 25 and rookie Kris Versteeg comes back with his 22 goal contribution. Despite losing Havlat and his career high point total of 77, Chicago's more than anxious to roll out Hossa and his 40 goal potential.
With three strong scoring lines and a fourth line that can change the game at any moment, the Blackhawks look to increase their 260 team goals last year (which placed them 5th in the league). This 3.12 goals per game average was 2nd only to Detroit (sucks) in the Western Conference.
Special Teams, at least the power play, needs to continue to improve. In the past, many fans wished the 'Hawks could decline penalties and remaining skating 5-on-5. They bring into the 2009 season a PP that was in the middle of the road last year. As the team continues their climb to reach the offensive heights of the Red Wings, a top 10 finish this year would be most helpful.
Defensive questions.
The goaltending tandem of Khabibulin and Cristobol Huet was one of the best in the league last season. At a combined $12.35 million, it would've been criminal had they not. This season, however, takes a big step back as Huet moves into the starter role and either 2003 draft pick Corey Crawford or Antti Niemi will take over the helm as the backup. Both are unproven and the thought of having them start 20-25 games gives many fans the shivers.
The power play ranked 18th in 2008 and for a team known to take ill-timed and stupid penalties, that number has to improve in 2009. The Blackhawks are still a very young team with an average age of around 25, but they're not rookies anymore and the so-called learning curve is dwindling.
Yet the team still has a strong blue line presence with Duncan Keith (+33 last year), Brent Seabrook and Cam Barker (6 goals, 33 assists). Niklas Hjalmarsson played some solid minutes and the word around town is that Brent Sopel has finally learned to play some defense. Aaron Johnson seems to be a good #5 or #6 guy to have around and who knows? Maybe this year, Brian Campbell (52 points in 2008) might start playing a little 'D' himself.
Of course, winning comes down to the surprisingly simple formula of scoring more than your opponents. We know this team can, and will, score alot of goals. The key to this season will be the (in)ability of the goaltending and the PK to raise their games and keep the Blackhawks in the top 10 in Goals Against Average (2.51 in '08).
Season Predictions.
Detroit (sucks) has won the Norris Division for nine of the past 10 years (St. Louis won in 2000). Each year, despite many fans' hopes to the contrary, they find a way to take the crown. Unfortunately, the Wings will find a way once again to continue their streak.
But make no mistake. For the first time in a long time, the phrase "it's not a matter of if, but when" finally holds true. Chicago's rise to the top of the now Central Division will happen. Just not this season.
The good news, however, is that a 2nd place divisional finish and a 4th place conference play-off seeding will play nicely in their return trip to the Western Conference Finals.
Individually speaking, look for Kris Versteeg to have the often spoke of sophomoric slump. As Versteeg dips back under the 20 goal plateau, look for Dave Bolland to hit 25. Bolland's break out season last year showed he can meet the expectations of a former 2nd-round draft pick.
Other predictions for the 2009-2010 Blackhawk season:
- The "W" flag will continue be an embarrassing sight at the United Center (as will the chant "Let's Go Blackhawks (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)".
- A 19-year old couple somewhere in the 3rd level will miss an entire game by discussing Billy Joel's place in music history.
- Toews' and Kane's playoff beards will improve in appearance; provided the playoffs are watched in non-high def.
- And finally, McEgo will find a way to fire Rocky Wirtz being that he didn't hire Rocky in the first place.
The upcoming season promises to be memorable. Many in the national media - ESPN, Puck Daddy, Vegas odds, YAHOO! Sports, The Hockey News, etc. - are predicting Chicago to either topple Detroit for the division title and/or in the playoffs . Scott Burnside of ESPN has gone so far as to pick the 'Hawks to go to the Stanley Cup Finals.
For the first time in a long time, the powers that be appear to be listening to the prayers of long suffering Blackhawk fans. Whether or not they'll be answered has yet to be seen. Fans have the faith. The national media believes. The team continues to have their "One Goal".
Our Sharpie, who plays with Kaner - hallowed be Toews' name.
Thy Stanley come, Q's will be done - on ice where they play on Madison.
Give us this Cup, our only goal
and forgive those who still want Cheli...