30 in 30: Chicago Blackhawks
My first team preview from the newly formed Central Division looks at the reigning Stanley Cup champions, Chicago Blackhawks.
The Hawks made history last season as they started their campaign unbeaten in regulation in 24 games. Despite the phenomenal start and finishing the season with 77 points, a lot of people thought they would slip up in the playoffs, but they managed to overcome several tough hurdles to lift the cup. The question is, can they do it again?
In terms of transfer action, crucially the core of the team has remained. The likes of Toews, Kane, Sharp and Keith will continue to play their hockey in Chicago, whilst Stalberg and Frolik are big names to have been shipped to increase cap space. The team is looking pretty settled with minimal additions made so far.
One big addition has been made to the roster, with the Blackhawks snapping up Russian goalie Nikolai Khabibulin from Edmonton on the first day of free agency. He returns to Illinois for his second stint in the red colours of Chicago. He signed a 1-year deal at $1.7 million.
Any team to be successful in the NHL needs a solid goaltending unit. With the addition of Khabibulin, Chicago now has a solid partnership going into the season with himself and Corey Crawford.
Crawford had a big season last time out, with a 1.94 GAA and a .926 save % in the regular season. He backed it up in the playoffs with 1.84 GAA and an impressive .932 save %. Another big season will certainly see him as an elite goaltender.
Of course it will be remarkable if the Hawks can come anywhere close to what they did at the start of last season, but I think they will be quick out of the blocks again. A tough opening three games faces Chicago, as they square off against the Capitals, Lightning and Blues. We will get a good assessment of them early doors.
You have to be very brave to rule the Hawks out of contention at this stage. Retaining the Stanley Cup has to be one of the hardest tasks in sport. Despite the Hawks having a very good chance of achieving this, I think they will fall short.
Prediction: A very solid goaltending unit and exciting talent going forward – 1st in Central Division, eliminated in Conference Finals.