2005 Chicago Blackhawks Preview

Welcome to the 2005 Chicago Blackhawks Preview page. The NHL Hockey Season is around the corner and what better way to remind the public how exciting the NHL can be with a 2005 season preview from Maddux Sports. Remember if you are betting on NHL hockey look no further, as we are one of the few sports handicapping services that offers NHL picks against the hockey betting line and can help you be a winner this NHL betting season.

The Blackhawks earned the most onerous title of the 2003-04 season--worst team in the Western Conference. They had 20 wins, which was fewer than any other franchise in the league. They did not have a goalie in the top 30, nor did they place anyone in the list of top 50 scoring leaders. What were the bright spots for Chicago's unpopular hockey club?

First and foremost was center Tuomo Ruutu who in his first NHL season totaled 44 points in 82 games and revealed a penchant for crushing opponents with unforgiving bodychecks. In the world Cup last fall, Ruutu, while playing for Finland, suffered a shoulder injury severe enough to warrant surgery and a year of rehab. He's fine now and ready to skate for the Chicago again.

What's exciting about the hockey team this year, besides the return of Rutuu? The Blackhawks have made some quality additions to their roster by signing veteran wingers and tough guys Matthew Barnaby (157 PIM) and Martin Lapointe (81 PIM), offensive minded defenseman Adrian Aucoin (44 points) and Stanley Cup Championship goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin (1.71 GAA/Playoffs).

Chicago is a team that can take pressure on defense and create pressure on offense. However, unlike the other teams in the NHL, the Blackhawks still had about a quarter of their roster unfilled as they headed into their first preseason game. Why? Minor leaguers were still vying for vacant positions on the Chicago team. With the backup goalie job, at least two wingers, a center, and a defenseman position still open, there's a lot of debate over what the type of team the Blackhawks will ultimately be?
Tough, tenacious, and terrorizing are a few descriptors that capture this team's essence. The question is will "triumph" be added to that list by the end of the year?

2005 Hockey Team Previews