Blackhawks Season Preview: From $62.8 million to 20 cents – 10 Questions The Blackhawks Must Answer (1-5)

The PIB Blackhawks season preview will take a different direction than some of the other previews that I’ve already linked up to in the Shots From The Slot – Windy City Puck Links articles. Here, let’s highlight 10 questions to monitor as the season progresses. Let’s start with questions 1 through 5 (6 to 10 to follow):

1. Let’s get this one out of the way: Is Cristobel Huet a legitimate #1 NHL goalie and can he take the ‘Hawks to the next level?

Okay, two questions in one. Every Chicago preview out there seemingly has mentioned this point and for good reason. The loss of the Bulin Wall to free agency put Huet as the starter by default. Is he up for the task? Time will tell. The French netminder does have game, but I, like many analysts, question his ability to be anything but a solid backup at this level. According to THW’s Rafal Ladasz, Huet is the 15^th overall enigma in the NHL.

2. Not when, but who will step up as the starter when Huet falters?

The battle is still on for the backup ‘tender position behind the above mentioned Huet. Corey Crawford likely has the edge over Antti Niemi, but the race has been pretty much a dead heat according to anyone you talk to from the ‘Hawks organization. My bold prediction is that both will actually supplant Huet on the goalie depth chart before season’s end.

3. Is Hossa instead of Havlat an upgrade?

Another photo finish in this close debate.

Hossa’s 12 year/$62.8 million contract – ridiculous.

Havlat’s previous injury woes (before last year, at least) – dreadful.

Hossa’s Cup curse (runner up in the last 2 Cup Finals on opposite sides!) – scary.

Hossa’s injured shoulder – don’t become Havlat!

Havlat playing in contract year last season – payday!

Hossa’s two-way ability – formidable!

Havlat’s game-breaking offensive explosiveness – superb!

In the end, I think the ‘Hawks signed the best player available in free agency, and he will have an overall positive impact on the team, gelling well with talented array of young guns they already have up front.

4. Will a trip across the pond for the Victoria Cup, and then to start off the season, result in a poor start? And will Coach Quenneville survive the aftermath of the trip?

Another two-part question. As TSN noted: Quenneville has no fear about the Euro-course {‘All four coaches that opened the regular season in Europe last fall failed to finish the year with their job: Barry Melrose (Tampa Bay), Tom Renney (N.Y. Rangers), Craig Hartsburg (Ottawa) and Michel Therrien (Pittsburgh)’.} The Blackhawks might experience some minor jet lag, but it won’t linger long into the season.

5. Will the lack of a true physical defenseman hurt the team’s chance to take it to the next, next level?

The Flames have Sarich, Regehr, and Phaneuf. The Wings have Brad Stuart. The Penguins have Brooks Orpik. The Bruins have Zdeno Chara. Come playoff time, the benefits of physical blueliners become even more evident. While Keith and Seabrook are tremendous in their own zone and Campbell can throw the scattered highlight reel check, the ‘Hawks do lack that true, pure physical defenseman. While I can’t see it having a huge impact on the regular season, I would like to see the addition of such a player on or before the trade deadline day. Intimidation and striking fear into opposing forwards will be crucial for the quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Questions 6-10 to follow.

{Click here for questions 6 through 10}

Tags: Blackhawks season preview, cam barker, Chicago Blackhawks, cristobel, Dave Bolland, Joel Quenneville, Jonathon Toews, kris versteeg, NHL, olymp, Patrick Kane, scotty bowman, Season Preview, stan bowman