Tale of the Tape: Chicago Blackhawks Offense Shows Little Weakness

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

This match-up can have great success next season with the veteran help of newly acquired center, John Madden. Madden, who signed a one-year deal with Chicago, is a great player to have in this situation. In the middle of two young guns who love to put the puck in the net, Madden can possibly get a career high in points next season.

He has shown us over the past eight season that he can stay healthy by only missing 20 games. Staying healthy will be a key to the success of the Blackhawks next season. Madden is also a very consistent player who generates around 30-50 points season after season.

On his sides are two players who can score when their team needs it most. Byfuglien is a clutch performer who scored 15 goals in 77 games with Chicago last season. Dustin Byfuglien loves to shoot whenever he can. He was third on Chicago last season in shots with 202.

Other teams shouldn't give Byfuglien an opportunity to take a slap shot because it might hurt the goalie if it doesn't go in.

On the other side, Sophomore Kris Versteeg will try to repeat his rookie season where he had a 22-31-53 line in 78 games. Versteeg's best strength is his speed. He is able to blow by defensemen and open up the ice for himself and his team mates.

He might be small, but he isn't afraid when it comes to hitting either and he sure showed it in the playoffs against Vancouver and Detroit.

Line Four

Eager - Kopecky - Burish

This is one of those lines that opposing players really don't want to work up. All three of these guys are physical players, but also have the ability to put points up on the board. All three players averaged about ten minutes of ice time per game but made every minute count. Eager played the least among the three, but managed to score 11 goals.

Kopecky was with Detroit where he racked up six goals and 13 assists. Adam Burish had nine points, but scoring is not his role, nor is it Kopeckey's or Eager's. The three players on this line all have a lot in common, but the most important is that they work 110 percent every shift. Burish is wincing for air after every shift and shows a lot of dedication.

The most important thing about this line together is their defensive knowledge. I promise you now, in the season, we will see all three of these guys sliding and diving around in front of pucks to help Cristobal Huet.

The tenacity of this line is tremendous and they are exciting to watch. Perhaps most of this excitement comes form the hitting and fighting they provide. Together, this line combined for 20 fights and racked up 251 hits last year. They hit, they score, the fight, they can play defense, so what more can you ask out of a fourth line?

By the looks of things in Chicago, fans have another season to look forward to. With the best attendance rate in the NHL last season, the Blackhawks show power in their offensive core.

Soon to come: A look at Chicago's defense and goaltending.