2009-10 NHL preview: Chicago Blackhawks

One goal is more then a slogan to help sell tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks. it has become the mantra of the entire organization and its fans. While they had only been the NHL playoffs once in a decade, and that was a first round exit in 2002, the slogan seemed kind of silly. However this is a get team that got all the way to the Western Conference Finals a year ago, and after adding Marion Hossa in the off season, this team is a legitimate contender.

Of course all the pre-season hype was dulled somewhat by an altercation between young star Patrick Kane and a Buffalo Cabbie, and the realization that Hossa will miss at least the first 20 games of the regular season recovering from surgery. While all the pieces should come together, there is a chance that Hossa rehab could extend into January and the team collapse on itself. There is also the question if new Goalie Cristobal Huet can come in and replace Nikolai Khabibulin.

The Hawks couldn’t keep 77 point scorer Martin Havlat, since he wanted a longer contract than the team was willing to give, so the team turned to plan B. They signed Hossa to contract that the Capped out Detroit Red Wings couldn’t afford to match. The beauty of that is not only does it add to Chicago but it is a big subtraction for the Red Wings.

Additions- RW Danny Bols, C Mark Cullen, RW Marian Hossa, F Tomas Kopecky, C John Madden, and D Richard Petiot

Subtractions- C Tim Brent, RW Martin Havlat, G Nikolai Khabibulin, C Samuel Pahlsson, C Pascal Pelletier, and D Matt Walker