Chicago Blackhawks 2014-2015 Season Preview - Tazer19's Dynasty

Tazer19's Dynasty Blog

Chicago Blackhawks 2014-2015 Season Preview

Posted on December 12, 2011 at 11:36 PM.

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A great start to the year, only to have it end in disappointment yet again. Year one under Haviland should be very interesting, let's see how we will line up in our quest for not only the Cup but a Central Division title, come on.

FORWARD LINES:

Line # 1

LW - Jeremy Morin (85) / C - Jonathan Toews (92) / RW - Patrick Kane (90)

Analysis: Time for Morin to get his chance and shine. He went from an 80 overall last year to an 85 this year, the kid is ready for the big time, and what better chance then to skate with Toews and Kane.

Line # 2

LW - Nino Niederreiter (80) / C - Claude Giroux (88) / RW - Kyle Okposo (85)

Analysis: Newly acquire Nino is an A- potential, and he will have plenty of room to grow and flourish with Giroux and Okposo, this line could put up some scary offensive numbers as Giroux and Okposo just have easy chemisty, adding a pure sniper to that can't hurt.
Line # 3

LW - Kyle Beach (83) / C - Dave Bolland (84) / RW - Wayne Simmonds (84)

Analysis: For the second straight year the Hawks could boast the best third line in hockey. This year though I think this line will play more of a shut down role instead of looking for bonus scoring, and that should help in the playoffs.

Line # 4

LW - Brandon Pirri (79) / C - Marcus Kruger (80) / RW - Chris DiDomenico (78)

Analysis: Three guys that work their tail off, Kruger or Pirri is the next third line center, both have progressed well. DiDomenico came out of nowhere last year and had a big year down in the "A" Can't wait to see if some of his ability can carry over to the pro level.

ON THE BACKEND

Defensive Pairing # 1

D1 - Brent Seabrook (89) / D2 - Duncan Keith (90)

Analysis: Given the makeup of the blue line these guys could get broken up, all depends on how the other guys fare because you know what you are going to get with these guys.

Defensive Pairing # 2

D3 - Jarred Tinordi (79) / D4 - Keith Aulie (84)

Analysis: Interesting pairing to say the least as neither have been up with the Hawks yet. Both are solid defensive defensemen, and I like that out of a second pair, we'll see how it shapes up but Haviland is starting it like this.

Defensive Pairing # 3

D5 - Nick Leddy (82) / D6 - Ruslan Leonov (79)

Analysis: Moved Leddy to be with Leonov so that the third pairing wasn't REALLY young. It's still young but Leddy has a good three years at the NHL level already. Leonov has progressed wonderfully so far, he is close to becoming a top 4 d-man.

GOALTENDING

The Men Manning the Net
G1- Corey Crawford (87) / G2 - Chet Pickard (80)

Analysis: This is the best tandum the Hawks have had since Emery was here backing up Crawford, it will also be the first time where Crawford could see decreased time due to competition. Pickard has given every indication that he could be the guy down the road, we'll see how the newly acquire netminder adheres to Chicago.