Will The Hawks Soar?
What used to be a dominating force in the NHL have now been reduced to a bottom feeding team. The Black Hawks who used to soar in Chicago have seemed to have lost a wing. But like so many other “what if” theories, it would only be a possibility if this team could once again become a playoff contender because so many other teams are looking for this to be the comeback year. But let’s take a look right now at the biggest assets for Chicago (asset as in players that will potentially give them a playoff birth THIS year)
1. RW: Martin Havlat: Martin only played 56 games, but put up 57 points. So bearing those figures, Havlat would have mustered up roughly 70-80 points. And you cant forget he wasn’t playing with that good of a team either! Just Imagine what Martin could do with some good linemates and a healthy season.
2.C: Jonathan Toews: Jonathan is an amazing rookie talent, with loads of potential. Chicago decided to play him this year after he was drafted last year. Jonathan is a fast gifted goal scorer, who has already had NHL style experience (playing in the World Cup last year). The Black Hawks organization is extremely excited about adding Jonathan to the lineup, and who wouldn’t be, he is one of the stars of the future, and possibly next year.
3.G: Nikolai Khabibulin: The star of yesterday who’s career went downhill. Nikolai is still a stellar goalie and positively a number one goalie. While working with one of the worst teams in the NHL Nikolai still put up good numbers: .902 save percentage, 2.86 goals against average, and 25 wins.
4.C: Robert Lang: If your in scoring position, Robert’s your man. He has a knack for finding people, and tallying assists. He has been known to be prone to injury, but not last year. Look for a 60 point outing this year.
5.RW: Patrick Kane: 1st overall pick in this years entry draft. Full of potential. Patrick has an amazing wrist shot and can fight through his checks. Patrick is known to be a skilled playmaker with an amazing set of hands. Although he is questionable to start this year, if he does, expect some good numbers. Patrick was also the second straight American to be drafted 1st overall.
6.D: Brent Seabrook: The 6’3 defensman, product of Richmond B.C, put up 24 points last year, and proved that he is strong, and can move the puck well. If Chicago wants to be a winning team, they’re going to have to have Seabrook playing at his best.
You may draw your own conclusions: Is Chicago ready to step up their game?