Blackhawks begin title defense - K0ZZ's Dynasty

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Blackhawks begin title defense

Posted on April 29, 2011 at 12:31 AM.

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Blackhawks begin title defense

It's hard to count against a team that is coming off a Stanley Cup season with its top line returning. Yet aside from that this Hawks team has a lot of changes in line for next season. The initial big signing of a year ago Cristobal Huet won't even be playing in the NHL this season. Huet is on loan to play in the Swiss National League, despite this the team stepped up with Antti Niemi becoming the hero between the pipes. Even then his short time in Chicago would quickly be over. Leaving during the offseason to San Jose. In attempts to mature youngster Corey Crawford to being the daily goalie, the Hawks pushed to sign Marty Turco who is expected to split times with Crawford. Playoff hero and fan favorite Dustin Byfuglien parted ways with Chicago leaving yet another hole for this squad. Andrew Ladd and John Madden were also players who will not be calling the United Center home, although not stars they did perform serviceable.

The Hawks will have to deal with the Detroit Redwings who always seem capable of finishing at the top of the league. The Nashville Predators are becoming more of a force in the Central Division and the Saint Louis Blues seem to be starting to grow into a decent squad. Much like last year, Vancouver and San Jose are both favorites to win their respective divisions.

The Blackhawks offense will be played at a high octane level emphazing the youth movement this energized squad has in store. After years of futility the rebirth of talent and winning capabilities have brought this team from the shadows to the limelight. With the whole league watching them now it's time for them to step up and prove they earned Lord Stanley's cup.