NHL Western Conference- Central Division Preview

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks

2005-06 Finish: 26-43-13, 14th West
2005-06 Goals For: 211
2005-06 Goals Against: 285
2005-06 Power Play: 12.2% (30th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 83.9% (9th)
Points Leader: Kyle Calder (59)
Goals Leader: Kyle Calder (26)
Assists Leader: Kyle Calder (33)

New Faces

(C) Denis Arkhipov, (G) Sebastien Caron, (C/LW) Michal Handzus, (RW) Martin Havlat, (D) David Koci, (G) Patrick Lalime, (RW) Reed Low, (C/LW) Craig MacDonald, (C) Bryan Smolinski

Gone

(G) Craig Anderson, (LW/RW) Matthew Barnaby, (LW/RW) Milan Bartovic, (LW) Mark Bell, (C) Curtis Brown, (LW/RW) Kyle Calder, (C/LW) Mark Cullen, (RW) Eric Meloche, (RW) Shawn Thornton, (LW/RW) Eric Daze

Offence

Left Wing: Martin Havlat, Bryan Smolinski, Rene Bourque, Tony Salemlainen, Colin Fraser
Centre: Michal Handzus, Patrick Sharp, Denis Arkhipov, Michael Holmqvist
Right Wing: Tuomo Rutuu, Radim Vrbata, Martin Lapointe, Brandon Bochenski

A very weak offence last season led the Blackhawks to second last in the Western Conference. A measly 211 goals, and the worst power play in the entire league made the Blackhawks a laughing stock. Kyle Calder, who is no longer with the Blachawks led all Chicago categories. He led almost until the trade deadline, where he got traded to the Ottawa Senators, and he still led the team in points. Although, there have been a lot off acquisitions and changes in their offence, and a healthy Tuomo Rutuu will help the club. The Blackhawks signed Martin Havlat and Bryan Smolinski who have been proven goal scorers their entire career. They also picked up Michal Handzus who will be their number one center. Rene Bourque had a great rookie year, and will look to follow it up this year, and hopefully the Blackhawks do not disappoint again.

Defence

D: Adrian Aucoin, Cam Barker, Duncan Keith, Jim Vandermeer, Jassen Cullimore, Brent Seabrook