Dynasty Calls

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

2013-14 record: 46-21-15 (107 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in Conference Finals
Captain: Jonathan Toews

The Chicago Blackhawks were never quite the dominant team that ran through everyone in the lockout shortened 2013 season that saw them win the Stanley Cup, yet they were one win away from being the first team to make consecutive Cup Finals since Detroit and Pittsburgh did it in 2008 and 2009.  Most of the same players from last year's team remain, and given their penchant for playing their best hockey when the lights shine the brightest, a third Stanley Cup in six seasons is not out of the question.  However, they are also in the Western Conference, where the likes of Los Angeles, Anaheim, and St. Louis reside, so getting there is much easier said than done.

Goaltending can be spectacular at times, as Corey Crawford has proven to be a clutch player when the stakes are high.  However, he also remains inconsistent at times, as shown in the Conference Finals.  Defensively, the six that get trotted out there should be one of the best.  However, uncharacteristic miscues filtered in and were their ultimate undoing in the Conference Finals.  Returning to the responsible play around their own net is key if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.  Offense is the one aspect that is not an issue, as both Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa put in 30-plus goals each while Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews came within a goal or two of joining them.  The player to watch is Teuvo Teravainen, who is expected to start as the third line center with Brad Richards holding down the second line duties.  He could overtake Richards by midseason if either he plays beyond expectations or if Richards has nothing left in the tank.

Prediction: 1st in the Central Division

Conventional wisdom says that it is unwise to bet against the Chicagol Blackhawks for a Stanley Cup championship this year.  However, Los Angeles is still in the Western Conference, and while they pose the biggest threat, Anaheim and St. Louis are also hungry to prove themselves, too.