He didn't mean to do it. It kinda just happened. Since His Airness retired (the second time), the Blackhawks had made the NHL playoffs only once up until last season (9 years +1 for the Lockout season). They were promptly eliminated in the first round in that postseason as well (2002). The Hawks were so bad that people that just kind of forgot about them. And then everyone seemed to forget that Chicago, for all its success in the NBA, was actually a hockey town.
No doubt that Chicago's attendance at Hawks games declined during this time. Shoot, didn't the owner stop televising the games? But even with the high ticket prices that followed, along with an enduring lack of success, Hawks fans were still repping their squad. So that when the team finally brought in some talent, the United Center was hopping harder than any Bulls game since Byron Russell's facial cream pie (Yes, I know that took place in Utah, but game 5 in Chicago didn't end so well). And you could see why. Because in 2007, well, the Blackhawks became the most exciting team in hockey.
With the addition of draft picks Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, the emergence of Duncan Keith and Patrivck Sharp, and the addition of Kris Versteeg, the Blackhawks became contenders over night. Immediately, the Blackhawks became explosive, featuring a lightning strike offense also capable to pinning teams in their own end, thanks to presence of Toews and puck possession of Kane. And that continues to this very moment. What other team could have the MOST shots on net, with the FEWEST allowed (They're + NINE)? And also allowed the fifth fewest goals, scored the third most? Only that I can think of...
But if they're so outstanding, then how come they're number 2 right now, instead of number 1? Because even though the Hawks are top 5 in GAA, it's only because their goaltending has two settings: closed or open. The Blackhawks as a team had 11 shutouts this season. Yet, their best goalie only rocks a .912 save percentage (good for 20th in the league). How is that even possible. It's possible because of the Blackhawks style of play. They're both a big team and a fast team, which is generally awesome, but can also cause problems... Especially with respect to transition defense. The Blackhawks can score in just a few short minutes after the drop of a puck, but they can be scored on in just a matter of seconds.
This is the delicate balance that this team walks. And while explosive on the offensive end, orindarily leads to stability on the defensive end for the Blackhawks, there is nothing ordinary about the NHL playoffs.
Players to Watch:
Patrick Kane - ... if you can. Not that he didn't have a good playoff last year (9G, 5A), but a -9? Kane needs to be the driving force of the offense because he has the ability to make plays by preserving the puck in the defensive end, forcing defenses into puck-chasing. That's when he should theoretically setup Toews down low. However, if Kane is unsuccessful, then he's gotta remember to backcheck.
Duncan Keith - Which player had the second most points as a defender in the NHL? Not a trick question. But Keith is going to have to strike a balance between offensive production and defensive caution. While Chicago's goaltenders have struggled this season, they have been better of late. But how they fare in the playoffs remains to be seen. Either way, Keith needs to mind his own end, while also picking his offensive spots.
Antti Niemi - Does Chicago have the goaltending to win the Cup? Remember those 11 team shutouts? Well, Niemi has seven of them, and in only 37 starts. So, Niemi is certainly an improvement, but is he enough? And can an unseasoned goalie really be the foundation of a Stanley Cup team?
Guess we're about to find out.
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