Hawks can win again
OK, finally something for all you hockey fans out there.
I know there are not many of you, but for the few that there are I would like to talk about the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Yes, many of you know the Hawks won the Cup. But even more of you believe they cannot repeat.
Those are the ones who I am speaking to today. I know what you are thinking, Why would they trade away half their team? They traded away all the guys that got them there.
This is not true and that is why I want to let everyone know that the Hawks will not be just a one-year wonder.
Even with all the players they lost, they still can make this team into a dynasty.
I felt the same heartache many of you did when beloved players such as Kris Versteeg, Adam Burish, Ben Eager, Antti Niemi and who can forget ‘Big Buff’ Dustin Byfuglein, left the team.
But if I remember correctly, they will be returning such names as Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Troy Brouwer and Dave Bolland.
The Hawks were one of the highest scoring teams in the NHL last season, and they will be again as they return five of their top six scores from last season’s team.
Not only do they return their top scores, but also their best defensemen. Brent Seabrook, Jordan Hendry and Niklas Hjalmarsson all had great years, while Duncan Keith won the Norris Trophy for the best defensemen in the NHL.
The Hawks also have a fine core of young players like Jack Skille, Jack Dowell and Bryan Bickell who I can see having a big impact on the second consecutive run to the Cup.
Although I am not going to back off my statement that the Hawks will repeat, I will say even if they do not I can still live with just last season.
I have been a Hawks fan my entire life and I cannot say it has always been easy.
When they won last year it made up for all the times I have had to watch them embarrass themselves.
Being at the Stanley Cup parade was one of the greatest things I have ever witnessed, and I know for the rest of my life I can remember that.
Growing up a Chicago fan is not easy.
We do not get to see many winners, so when we do we do not forget about them. I will never forget the Bulls teams of the ’90s, the White Sox of 2005 and the Blackhawks of 2009-10.
I can die a happy man if the Bears can bring me home a championship (that is more than the baseball team on the other side of town can say).
So like I said, I am still not backing off my theory of the Hawks winning again, but for those of you doubters, I say remember the good times while you can.
Bob Shaughnessy can be reached
