2009-2010 record: 52-22-8 (112 points)
Won the Stanley Cup 4-2 vs. Philadelphia
Captain-Jonathan Toews
Alternate Captains: Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith
3 Players to watch: For all of the talent that the Blackhawks have, everything begins with Jonathan Toews. The second youngest player to captain his team to a Stanley Cup, he was also an integral part of the Gold medal winning Canadian team in the 2010 Olympic games. He doesn't get the headlines that a Patrick Kane or Duncan Keith get, but he is the one that the team gravitates towards. With Antii Niemi out, the pressure is squarely on Marty Turco. Cristobal Huet is likely on his way out, so the Blackhawks are Turco's team, and he will have a tough act to follow. The large turnover of the roster leaves a few spots open, but one of those that seems secure is the blue line. One of the players that figures to play a larger role is Niklas Hjalmarsson. Overshadowed by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, Hjalmarsson's importance to the team was evident when the team matched the San Jose Sharks' offer sheet to him. Look for him to be one of the best second pairing D-men in the league this year.
Things to look for: The salary cap has wreaked havoc with the Blackhawks' roster, causing an exodus of players such as Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg, and Niemi. The biggest question is who exactly will be suiting up with the Native American on the front of their jerseys. Goal is another thing to look for, as the team decided to cut ties with Niemi after his salary took a jump. Turco will be expected to keep things running smoothly in goal and given that Huet is likely gone before the season begins, that leaves perennial prospect Corey Crawford as the backup. Rookies will likely get some time with the big league team, and one to watch is Jack Skille. This year is practically now or never for him, as he has yet to crack 50 games in the NHL since being drafted in the first round in 2005. For all of the changes, the core of the team remains the same, so expecting them to make the playoffs is reasonable. After that, all bets are off.
Prediction: 5th in West
Song: Theatre of Tragedy-And When He Falleth
All of the elements are there for a major fall from grace for the Blackhawks. Then again, they could be as good as they were since they still have Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, and Sharp. What happens this season is up to how the new guys integrate with the players still on the team.
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