Sports Illustrated seems to think so. Of course, among sports fans, the blessings of Sports Illustrated magazine is a curse in disguise. But, perhaps the Blackhawks might have what it takes to repeat as Stanley Cup champions this coming season.
The Hawks still have their major players from last year; Kane and Toews, Andrew Shaw, Corey Crawford, Patrick Sharp, Bryan Bickell, Seabrook & Keith, Michal Handzus, Brandon Saad, Johnny Oduya and the others. However, the Hawks have given up Viktor Stalberg, Dave Bolland, Michal Frolik and Ray Emery to deal with the NHL salary cap. We know the core of talent can certainly perform and win, but it's the guys around them who will have to step it up.
Brandon Pirri is one of the guys vying for a spot on the final regular season roster. Pirri was the American Hockey League's top scorer for the Hawks' farm team Rockford Icehogs last year. Currently he is nursing a lower-body injury that might, if things go wrong, would keep him off the team. But Pirri should get his chance after the season he had last year. The guy can't be denied a chance at the NHL for much longer even if he has to remain on injured reserve.
One name who's been surprising for the moment is Joakim Nordstrom, whom the Tribune quotes as being surprised himself. He's shown strong two-way skills, penalty killing and chemistry with fellow Swede Marcus Kruger. I want to see him on the roster, as well. The other Scandinavian who came into camp, Teuvo Teravainen, will sadly return to Finland for the season, even though he's shown he's got incredible talent. If you ask me, it's a waste. I hope he'll be brought back to the states from his Finnish club Jokerit some time during the season.
What will benefit the Hawks is the new NHL realignment. To put it short, Detroit is gone and the Hawks won't have much competition in their new Central Division. That could play into their hands for a good record. And since it helps for the Hawks to get away from the UC at around the start of the season, the training camp in South Bend might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
So, do the Hawks have what it takes to repeat? Here's the thing: The NHL is unpredictable. The Hawks could win a second-straight President's Trophy and get swept out of the playoffs. Right now, it's hard to tell, and since I never make predictions, I'm not going to do that. What I will say is that I expect the Hawks to have a successful season and make the playoffs. Sure, everyone is gunning for them, but it looks to be another fun season at the UC.
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