Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Deconstructing the Central - Chicago and some randoms...

August 29, 2014, 8:57 AM ET [39 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I’ll be taking the next few blogs to concentrate on the Central Division and attempt to evaluate the moves made by each team. Did they address their needs effectively? Are they better or worse after the moves made? Writing this in July/August makes this a dicey proposition but what else am I gonna do… watch the paint dry in Toronto? Winnipeg was first, then Minnesota, then Dallas, then Colorado, then St. Louis. To close out the series… the Chicago Blackhawks.

The unquestioned power of the Central finished third last season. Wait.. what??? They finished third in the division with 107 points, four points behind St. Louis, five points behind Colorado, good for 5th in the Western Conference, losing in the Western Conference Finals to the eventual Cup champs. This is a loaded team… so loaded that their draft picks are holding out, not signing and moving on because they don’t think they can crack the lineup. OK… it was one, but it does speak to the depth of Chicago’s talent. The best part of how this team is constructed is that it is built for post season play, not for regular season domination.

The key addition to the Blackhawks… in a move that makes the rich even richer, free agent Brad Richards signed for a laughable amount in Chicago. Richards came off a few years in New York where he was expected to be “the man.” Now he is a support player, which is a role where he has shown incredible success. The only loss from this team is Brandon Bollig… yup… I think the same thing… if that’s their only loss, replaced by Richards… well... feel sorry for the rest of the Central Division.

On offense, this team has no problem scoring goals. In bunches, in timely places... whenever scoring is needed. They were second in the league in scoring, top ten in power play and simply unstoppable 5 on 5. Scoring by committee takes on a whole new meaning with the Blackhawks. Five players at 60+ points, five players with 20+ goals, two players at 30+ goals, plus another four players in double digits goals… offense is no problem in Chi-town

On the blueline, this crew is led by Ducan Keith and Brent Seabrook, arguably one of the best defensive tandems in the league with an extremely solid if unspectacular supporting cast. This defense corps is typical Joel Quinneville, solid positionally, quick with the outlet pass and not afraid to be physical. Interesting stat from last season is that the Hawks PK was mediocre at best… ranking 19th in the league, a stat that sticks out like a sore thumb on a team that is so talented. Good thing they don’t take many penalties ranking third lowest in the NHL in PIM/Game.

Y’know… you can write the same preview over and over for this team… and with the long term signing of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Towes, that trend won’t end soon, unless the hockey gods decide to play with the emotions of Blackhawk Nation, this team is built to be successful long term. Another run, deep into May and potentially June is in the cards.

-------------------------------

Random Notes

- Mark your calendars… the brand new Ford Ice Center is undergoing a shakedown cruise right now and will have its official Grand Opening over the weekend of September 13th with a Rookie Tournament featuring prospects from Boston, Florida and Tampa Bay along with Preds prospects. I’ll be doing the PA for the Preds games over the weekend. The Baby Preds play the Baby Bolts on Saturday 9/13 at 4:30pm, then play the Panther’s prospects on Sunday 9/14 at 7pm. Admission is free and no ticket is required.

- The Predators prospect team for the tournament will feature familiar names like Kevin Fiala, Filip Forsberg, Zach Budish, Brendan Leipsic, Colton Sissons, Jonathan-Ismael Diaby and Pontus Aberg.

- I’m a day late… but wishing a very happy birthday to Olympic Gold Medalist and Predator season ticket holder Scott Hamilton!

- In case you heard a loud thud last night… it wasn’t thunder… it came from somewhere around West End and sounded like Vanderbilt’s football hopes crashing…

- Nice to see Scott Gomez getting a final shot at the NHL with the Devils… you gotta admit… Uncle Lou is a classy guy!

- Hard to believe that Dustin Penner hasn’t drawn any interest… wondering which team will step up and offer him a training camp invite…

- Expansion talk has been running rampant… I can buy the addition of two teams, that balances the conferences, but four??? That’s a stretch. But why worry… the NHL has dismissed expansion talk. (snicker…)

- I do think that the four cities mentioned (Seattle, Vegas, Quebec City and a 2nd in Toronto) will get NHL teams… but I think that two of them will be relocations and only two expansions.

--------------------------------------

You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game! You can also keep up with all the goings on with SlapShot Radio by following the show on Twitter @SlapShotRadio1

Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the link.

-------------------------------------

The SlapShot Radio Road Trip is back!!! Go to our Facebook page for more information and join us as we hit the road to Big D!

We need to nail down tickets quick gang… so head on over!

-------------------------------------

KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information, click here.
Join the Discussion: » 39 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Paul McCann
» The time has come
» Whining through Game 3
» Playoff Picks
» Waiting for he playoffs
» A special night in Smashville