Can the Chicago Blackhawks Repeat Last Season's Quest for the Cup?

Every team wishes to be the next dynasty in sports, comparable to the 90’s Chicago Bulls or New York Yankees, or even the 80’s Edmonton Oilers.

In the NHL today, it is a tad more complex to complete this goal. The last time back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions hoisted the Cup was in 97'-98' by the Detroit Redwings.

The Chicago Blackhawks President John McDonough claims that his team will replicate last season.

With their exciting style of play from last year, and the success of the entire team, it seems a repeat could be right up Chicago’s alley.

It is tricky to factor that scenario in with the loss of key players like Kris Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien, and Antti Niemi.

The Blackhawks have kept their core, which is truly saying quite a lot. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, and the glorious defensemen (can’t forget them)!

Acquiring Marty Turco was an ideal move for experience at the crease as well. Chemistry may be lost, but I think we can all expect that new chemistry will originate shortly into the 2010-2011 season.

With additional young players coming to United Center as the Blackhawks' depth, this can be either a good or bad thing.

The rookies can either be just as ambitious to win as Marian Hossa was last season after just missing that genuine Stanley Cup kiss two seasons in a row, or as petrified as any of us would be soaring onto the ice with Zdeno Chara’s slap shot coming straight towards us.

If the Blackhawks core generates the same as they did last season, and the rookies from Rockford produce as expected, maybe another Cup is in the future.

For next season, though? I say, even as an immense Blackhawks fan, don’t hold your breath. This will be a long hockey season, whether it is astounding or horrific.