Here it is...
Long time follower, first time writer. ABE standing in to bring you the Blackhawk 2011-2012 Preview.
It’s that time of year to trade in the Cubs jersey for the Blackhawks sweater and rejuvenate expectations of a championship. After winning the Cup in 2010, 2011 was pretty much a setup year for disappointment for Hawks fans. But what can you expect when you are miles over the cap and you have to ship half your team out. The experts gave the Hawks no hope last year- for good reason when they lost their way into the playoffs. But Vancouver quickly remembered why they never want to see the Hawks in the playoffs. So despite getting sent home in the first round, they gave the best team in hockey (regular season) all they wanted and reenergized faith in the Hawks. This summer, however, had a completely different look. Instead of shipping out, this summer was spent bulking up. Despite losses like Troy Brouwer and Brian Campbell, the hawks added some key veterans like Steve Montador and some guys that just play nasty like Dan Carcillo. Adding some grit and toughness to an already extremely skilled roster once again brings the Hawks back into contention. Also, shipping Campbell and his 5 year, $7.14 million per season salary brings the hawks under the salary cap for the first time in years going into the season. All this adds up to great news for the Blackhawk faithful.
Biggest offseason success – Bringing in guys that can protect Kane, Toews, Keith and still play hockey – aka not John Scott.
Biggest offseason disappointment – Toews 2.0 (David Toews - Jonathan's younger brother) wasn’t up to snuff and didn't make the team - so much for the Toews duo line.
Season surprise – Kane eclipses the century mark with over 100 points for first time in his career
Season “cross my fingers” – Corey Crawford avoids the dreaded sophomore slump
Season predictions – No reason to listen to my biased opinion so I will just give you Barry Melrose’s (hint: he is hardly ever wrong) Hawks – win the Central, win the West and win the Cup. Oh and Toews is the best play in the National Hockey League.
I can get used to this again:
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