2012 Chicago Blackhawks

The purge of the Blackhawks team after the Stanley Cup 2010 season was a necessary part of the business, as required by the hard salary cap set to make sure all the teams are playing on a level playing service. This is to keep big city teams from loading up on top stars because they have the money to do it. The Blackhawks were in the unfortunate position to have to shed numerous salaries and players even if that meant decreasing the talent level on their team. It was inevitable, but one thing management wanted to keep unified on the team was the locker room.

It was important to keep your captains and leaders on the team and active to keep the new members in check and in 2011, this strategy worked. Although they weren’t able to repeat in their attempt to win a Stanley Cup, they were able to make the playoffs and challenge the Vancouver Canucks in a thrilling seven game series in the first round of the playoffs. Both the players and management were not happy with a first round ouster and vowed to improve in 2012.

During the offseason, the Blackhawks performed a major overhaul of their roster, adding players with proven track records with winning and toughness. They also decided to take chances on players from their farm system to improve the team and bring youthful energy onto the roster. It was also an opportunity for the young players to push the veterans for playing time, thus making the team even better in the long run. It was a smart move by management and has so far paid off in 2012.

Leaders Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp lead the Blackhawks in goals and assists and are among the top players in the league. They are sharp and on their game each and every night and bring leadership and continuity to the table. Young players like Ben Smith, Nicolas Hjlarmsonn, and David Bolland continue to bring flair and consistency to the rink. Goalie Chris Crawford and Ray Emery are excellent goalies who have proven that either can be relied on to be put in the net on any given night.

Thus far the Blackhawks have gotten off to a fast start at are in the top three in the Western Conference when it comes to points. They have recently lost Patrick Sharp for four weeks with a wrist injury, and while they will miss his savvy and puck handling, they have players who can step up and fill in his skates while he is gone. They have one goal this year and that is to return the Stanley Cup to Chicago and relive the summer of 2010 where they were the toast of the town. With dedication, team play and the ability to get through the grind of a long year, the Blackhawks have the veteran and experience to return to the top of the league in 2012. It’s just a matter now of going out and doing it.