Blackhawks Featured in 30 Teams in 30 Days

From now through the start of the NHL season on Oct. 4, TSN.ca presents '30 Teams In 30 Days,' a quick glimpse at each NHL club as the 2008-09 campaign approaches. Get the lowdown on every lineup, storylines to follow and Scott Cullen's fantasy analysis. It continues today with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The turning point in the Chicago Blackhawks' resurgence last season was not pinned to a specific game or moment on the ice (though Jonathan Toews' highlight-reel goal against Colorado makes a pretty good case), but to a simple meet-and-greet in Chicago last December.

Waiting for hours in line and enduring bone-chilling winds whipping off Lake Michigan, more than 2,500 fans lined up outside the team's downtown store for an autograph from the city's two new sports darlings - Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Hockey in the Windy City was certainly worth following again.

While many have credited the return of the Blackhawks to the team's promising young duo, the franchise was also renewed by the elder tandem of team president (and former Cubs executive) John McDonough and chairman Rocky Wirtz. For the first time ever, every game will be televised on local television and the team will host the NHL's Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on New Year's Day. The team's new-found popularity is quite a contrast from just a few seasons ago, when the Original Six club was not only the laughing stock of the NHL, but considered one of the worst franchises in pro sports.

After years of long losing streaks, numerous coaching changes and early-season exits, the Blackhawks are ready to win back the league and their fans as a top franchise.

General Manager: Dale Tallon (4th season)
Head Coach: Denis Savard (3rd season)
2007-08 Record: 40-34-8 (10th in Conference)
Points Leader: Patrick Kane - 72
Goals Leader: Patrick Sharp - 36
Assists Leader: Patrick Kane - 51
PIM Leader: Adam Burish - 214
+/- Leader: Duncan Keith - 30
PP Goals Leader: Patrick Sharp - 9
SH Goals Leader: Patrick Sharp - 7

What they did: The Blackhawks were one of the biggest players in the offseason both on the ice and in the front office. The team made one of the biggest headlines on July 1, signing defenceman Brian Campbell to an eight-year, $56.8 million contract and veteran netminder Cristobal Huet to a four-year, $22 million deal. Strengthening Dale Tallon's management team was the addition of Scotty Bowman as the team's senior advisor of hockey operations. The Hall of Fame builder, whose son Stan is the Blackhawks' director of hockey operations, brings a wealth of experience and 11 Stanley Cups.

What to watch for: As much as the Hawks will be relying on Kane, Toews and Patrick Sharp (who led the team with 32 goals last season) up front, the team needs better production from their other forwards for a sniff at the postseason. Martin Havlat, who signed a massive three-year, $18 million contract with the club in 2006, has struggled with ankle and shoulder injuries and is entering the final year of his deal. Robert Lang, who signed with the Hawks two summers ago, is also in the final year of his contract and is capable of playing better than the 54-point effort he put together last season. Jack Skille, a former first-round pick who has plenty of offensive upside, could earn a full-time spot this year.

Chicago's biggest strength could be on defence. Campbell, entering the prime of his career, is a premier blueliner who can excel in even strength and power play situations. While many fans were scratching their heads over Duncan Keith's selection to last year's All-Star Game, the young defenceman silenced them all with his strong defensive play. He was among the league leaders in plus-minus last season (+30) - a great accomplishment for a team that struggled as much as the Hawks did. Supporting them is a young, but improving group that includes Brent Seabrook, Cam Barker and James Wisniewski.

With the addition of Huet in goal, it appears Nikolai Khabibulin's days in Chicago are numbered. If or when the Bulin Wall goes, youngster Corey Crawford will likely be moved in as the backup. The Montreal native put in a great season in the AHL and didn't look out of place in a short stay with the Hawks last year. He has the skills and potential to challenge for the top job one day.

Parting Shot: For all the heartache that Maple Leaf fans bestow upon themselves about not winning a Cup since 1967, it's actually the Blackhawks that own the NHL's longest run without a championship. Chicago hasn't had a Stanley Cup celebration since 1961, and the expectations should be that much greater now that the team is getting more attention from their own fans.

Thanks to TSN