Tale of the Tape: Chicago Blackhawks Offense Shows Little Weakness

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

It may be early into the off season, but by the looks of the Chicago Blackhawks, they are sure contenders for the 2009-2010 Cup Finals. When we look at the depth of this young Chicago teams offensive core, they show many strengths. Here is a look at the possible lines for the upcoming season:

Line One

Sharp - Bolland - Kane

This line has played well together in the past and I have no doubts they can repeat the success they had last season. Patrick Kane has incredible hands and vision on the ice which is great for setting up the Blackhawks most dangerous goal scorer, Patrick Sharp.

If healthy, Sharp can push his limit and score 40 goals and possibly make a push for 50. Dave Bolland came out fresh at the start of last season and never slowed down. Playing in all but one game, Bolland racked up 47 points and a +19 rating.

Bolland serves as a solid two way player that has shown he is up for a challenge and can play with the best of the best. This line speaks for itself for the most part.

Line Two

Ladd - Toews - Hossa

When opposing teams come into a game against Chicago and see a line like this on paper, they know they can be in for it. Together, these three guys combined for 89 goals in the 08-09 campaign and all have certain strengths. Marian Hossa is among the top goal scorers every year and is a threat whenever he is on the ice.

Hossa led the Red Wings last season with 40 goals in 74 games and has proved to the hockey world he is one of the best in the game. Many Chicago fans might worry with the loss of Martin Havlat, but as his replacement, Hossa is much more durable than Havlat.

Since the 2000-2001 season, Hossa has played 160 more games, scored 126 more goals, and racked up 110 more assists than Havlat. Those numbers alone should have Hawks fans breathing a sigh of relief.

The other part of this line can be just as dangerous. Last season Jonathan Toews proved to be one of the best two-way players in the game having a 34-35-69 line and competing in all 82 games. Toews inconsistency, as shown in the playoffs, is his biggest problem.

Andrew Ladd was acquired by Chicago to bring intensity to the ice but has brought a lot more. Ladd has proved he can crack a spot in the top six of this young lineup by being able to set his linemates up.

Ladd is coming off his best season by far by netting 15 goals and adding 34 helpers. His 49 points in the '08-'09 campaign is just 13 points less than his three previous seasons combined.

Line Three

Versteeg - Madden - Byfuglien

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