Four Questions for the Chicago Blackhawks

Why is this team worth watching?

Because Jon Toews can do this, and because Pat Kane can do this, and because new addition Brian Campbell can do this. The Blackhawks are a young, exciting team. You need to Commit To The Indian as they revive an Original Six franchise.

Are they better or worse than last year?

Much, much better. The kids are a year older, Crazy Khabibulin has a motivated backup to challenge him, and Soupy has come from San Jose.

Denis Savard has them playing exciting hockey and I am more than willing to say that I am jumping on their bandwagon. After the Blueshirts, I root for Original Six teams—and these guys are making it really easy to join the fan club.

Who should YOU draft in fantasy?

Expect good offense—upwards of a point per game—from Campbell, Kane, Toews, and Pat Sharp. I would add Marty Havlat to that list, but he is such a huge injury risk that you never know. If he stays healthy for an entire season, he could score 100 points easily—too bad that's a big IF.

Robert Lang will be available later and will get 50 assists. On the blue line, Dustin Byfuglien, James Wisniewski, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook would fit in great as second or third defensemen to get 40 points, some PIM, and a solid plus/minus.

You would be taking a big risk drafting either Khabibulin or Huet early, because no one knows how many starts either will get or when they will come.

What will the Winter Classic be like?

It will be extremely difficult to get tickets. People are considering buying season tickets just for that game, then reselling it to pay for the season tickets.

While I didn't want it in New York, you can be sure I will be doing my damnedest to get to Wrigley. After going to Buffalo and experiencing that wonder, you can be sure the Chicago version will be impressive. And it should have better ice, as the league will have longer than a week to build the rink.