CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

2005-06 Recap
Record: 26-43-13, 65 pts (4th in Central Div, 14th Western Conf)

Playoffs:

Failed to qualify

Goals For: 209 (29th overall)
Goals Against: 279 (27th overall)

Power Play: 12.2% (30th)
Penalty Killing: 83.9% (9th)


2006-07 Preview

Key Additions: RW Martin Havlat (trade from Ott), C Bryan Smolinski (trade from Ott), C Michal Handzus (trade from Phi), G Patrick Lalime (UFA, Stl),

Key Losses: LW Kyle Calder (traded to Phi), LW Mark Bell (traded to SJ), RW Matthew Barnaby (UFA, Dal), RW Eric Daze (UFA, unsigned)

RFA left to sign: C Tuomo Ruutu


Offense: They traded away their two top scorers and best players in the off-season, but brought in the best player they have had on their roster in some time, in Martn Havlat. If Tuomo Ruutu can avoid the injury bug that plagued him last season, he and Havlat could form a dynamic top line. However after that, there are a bunch of role players that cannot be counted on for offensive production on a regular basis. They finished 29th of 30 teams in goals scored, and that ranking won’t improve much.

Defense: The Hawks are making strides here, as Brent Seabrook enjoyed a fine rookie season and will only get better. Cam Barker should earn a full time role and could be this year’s top rookie D-man legue-wide. If Adrian Aucoin can stay healthy, they have the makings for a decent top 4.

Goaltending: Nicolai Khabibulin was given a huge contract, but got hurt and was limited to 50 games. If he can play 70 games the Blackhawks have a fighting chance in many games. Patrick Lalime and Sebastien Caron will compete for the backup spot, and neither is an ideal option should the Bulin Wall fall again this year.

THE BIG QUESTION: How long will it take for Chicago to make the playoffs once again? This franchise has fallen on hard times recently and the once proud original six club is a shell of its former glory. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2002 and haven’t won a series since 1996. They don’t have the talent or the depth to compete and even in the weakest division in the league, they could fall to the bottom. They don’t want to spend the money that it would take to compete and the money they do spend is usually spent foolishly. The playoffs are at least three years away.

Synopsis: The Hawks will battle the Blues and the Blue Jackets all season.....for the conference basement. There is really no upside right now for the struggling and seemingly rudderless Windy City crew. Maybe now that Mike Keenan is available, he could make a triumphant return to set the ship sailing in the right direction. Either that or Denis Savard, Bobby Hull and Stever Larmer in their primes.