Chicago Blackhawks 2013-2014 Season Preview - Tazer19's Dynasty

Tazer19's Dynasty Blog

Chicago Blackhawks 2013-2014 Season Preview

Posted on December 5, 2011 at 09:32 PM.

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That hurt, not going to lie, when you invest so much time and heart into a season and then a playoff push only to come up short, it hurts. We made some tweaks to the team because we didn't think that it had to be overhauled, we think this team has as good a shot as any to make it back to the Cup Finals, but to finish with a better result, the ultimate result, winning the Cup.

FORWARD LINES:

Line # 1

LW - Kyle Beach / C - Jonathan Toews / RW - Patrick Kane

Analysis: Scoring was up last year for the dynamic duo, but too many teams were taking advantage of the lack of size and grit with the number one unit. Enter Kyle Beach, who two years ago was "this" close to being sent on his way from Chicago, now given his last two seasons he enters his second full NHL season on the top line playing along side two of the best in the game.

Line # 2

LW - Jeremy Morin / C - Claude Giroux / RW - Kyle Okposo

Analysis: Looking back, this is a completely new second line to start this season compared to last season. The feeling here is that Morin, who is a gifted sniper could benefit from the playmaking skills of Giroux and the puck retrieval skills and big body of Okposo, if things click, this could be one dynamic line and a chance for Morin to continue if offensive breakout that started in last years playoffs

Line # 3

LW - Patrick Sharp / C - Dave Bolland / RW - Wayne Simmonds

Analysis: Best third line in hockey? Probably, or should I say hopefully. Compared to previous years this thinking is completely backwards, Patrick Sharp is not a third line player, but when you combine his skills with that of Bolland and Simmonds they make up a dynamic trio that can stop the other team from scoring by scoring themselves. The last few years, including the playoffs Sharp was less then needed when it came to the scoring department, if the young guys can hold their own on the top two lines then this line becomes depth scoring, and it could be the best in the league.

Line # 4

LW - Viktor Stalberg / C - Marcus Kruger / RW - Brandon Pirri

Analysis: Once again a fourth line that could bring all sorts of excitement with the limited minutes they get. Kruger is getting to the point where he could be that third line Center that Bolland occupies currently, but for now he mans the 4th line for the 3rd straight year. Stalberg, who has played 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and now 4th lines will bring a scoring punch to the 4th line with the hopes of also shutting down and matching the 4th lines of opposing teams, and sometimes matching up against the top two lines as well, because they can. Brandon Pirri makes his long awaited debut as well, a natural center, he will switch to the right side which shouldn't be a problem, he has skill, but is also responsible, the 4th line should be solid.

ON THE BACKEND

Defensive Pairing # 1

D1 - Brent Seabrook / D2 - Duncan Keith

Analysis: Back at it for yet another year. They were paired back up last year and the Hawks saw the impact it could bring, they both had very solid season's, and post season's. Much of the same is expected for one of, if not the best D pairing in hockey.

Defensive Pairing # 2

D3 - Nick Leddy / D4 - Niklas Kronwall

Analysis: A minor change to the D pairings here. Leddy, once again will be bumped to the second pairing to get more minutes because he deserves it, and for other reasons which will be discussed later. Kronwall had a steady year last year, his first in the Indianhead, and an even better postseason, if he can bring that again this year this pairing will be solid.

Defensive Pairing # 3

D5 - Niklas Hjalmarsson / D6 - Ruslan Leonov

Analysis:The second change to the D core, more out of necessity than anything. Hjalmarsson definitely belongs in the top 4, but say hello the Hawks #1 prospect Ruslan Leonov. He will break camp with the team, and to make the transition as easy as possible Hjalmarsson has been paired with him. Tons of excitement to see what the kid can do, he might even see power play time. Definitely something exciting to follow throughout the season.

GOALTENDING

The Men Manning the Net
G1- Corey Crawford / G2 - Alexander Salak

Analysis: Same duo that got the Hawks to the Cup finals will try and get them there again. Both netminders did well last year, very well in certain stretches, especially Crawford during the cup run, he was unbeatable for three series, then the Finals came and he hit a speed bump. With improvements this offseason for both Crawford and Salak the Hawks should be set between the pipes, but if the right kind of offer comes towards the Hawks for an elite goalie they might jump at it. Crawford is almost there, but has he peaked? Time will tell. Salak handled the backup duties well, and now has two prospects in the AHL looking for his job this season and possibly more next season.