When I think about the 2010-2011 season, the first thing that comes to mind is the sense of entitlement. Right from the onset, you could see it in the lethargic way most of the team played for long stretches last year. They were going to cruise into the playoffs, regardless of the opponent, and then take care of business.
I admit, as a fan I felt much the same way last summer as I waited for their Cup defense to start. I felt the same way for month or so into the season. I knew the team going into last year didn’t possess the skill level of the Cup champs, and the character makeup was drastically altered, but I figured the playoffs were a lock, and would be for years to come.
My expectations were focused on the big picture, the end of the road, and I took little time to pay attention to how they would inevitably get there. So I decided to write this.
I believe these games will be good indicators of what we have for the 2011-2012 Blackhawks. Microcosms, nutshells, measuring sticks, etc. With the offseason additions of grit and veteran presence and being a season removed from winning the Cup, I feel safe believing that sense of entitlement is gone (plus, did you see those pictures Jesse Rogers posted of Kaner? OMGZ! If that doesn’t scream off season determination and focus, I don’t know what does). I think come season’s end, the results from these stretches could be very telling.
November 3 – November 6
Nov.3 @ Florida Panthers
Nov.4 @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Nov.6 Vancouver Canucks
At this point the season will be 11 games old. The team’s personality should be budding and the quality of play will be beginning to pick up a bit. This interesting three-game stretch presents the Hawks with a back-to-back against the NHL’s representatives of America’s wang. One of them with a bunch of former Blackhawks, the other a participant in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. The talent on both squads and ‘the road’ should provide a decent early test. Shortly after, the Hawks head back to the UC to take on the Canucks, with their goateed ginger twins, their 80’s movie villain goalie, and their biting/hair pulling ways. Four days, three quality opponents.
December 21 – January 2
Dec. 21 Montreal Canadiens
Dec. 26 Columbus Blue Jackets
Dec. 28 Los Angeles Kings
Dec. 30 Detwat Detroit Red Wings
Jan. 2 Edmonton Oilers
When the Hawks won the Cup, they won at home. When the Hawks barely made the playoffs, they lost at home, a lot. This five-game home stretch is the longest home stand of the season and takes place close to the midway point in the season. Hopefully at this point in the year we’ll have an idea of the team’s identity and tendencies.
They’re playing Montreal the day after a road game against Pittsburgh, followed by four days of rest. The next three opponents they have a day off in between games. This stretch also has three games that could quite possibly be playoff series previews. Lastly, they host Edmonton.
I think the Edmonton game could be telling about the team's approach based on the quality of their opponent. Last year on numerous occasions, it felt as if Chicago would play to the level of their opponent. We all saw them get up for the big games, and suck later on against lesser foes. If the Hawks have a successful home stand, it will be interesting to see if they come out and put Edmonton away early. If they struggle, will we see the same listless approach to bad teams? I'm assuming the Oil will suck, but come on, who isn't assuming that?
Granted, this is a giant pile of speculation. There are a million variables, the make up of the team could be different at these points in the season and yadda yadda yadda, but it’s September. We’re supposed to speculate. And of course you have the circus trip and that behemoth road trip at the beginning of February, but those are obvious choices.
What games do you think could be indicators as to the mettle of the 2011-2012 Chicago Blackhawks?
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