Don't Count The Champs Out Yet: 10 Reasons To Believe in a Repeat in Hawkeytown

Before the puck has even dropped for the Hawks this season, they already have the odds stacked up against them, according to most speculation, although they won it all just four months ago. Many have lost faith due to a brutal off-season. Here's 10 reasons why you should believe in the Indian-head in the 2010-2011 NHL season. 

1. Indisputable Talent

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CHICAGO - MAY 03: (L-R) Brent Seabrook #7, Duncan Keith #2, Patrick Kane #88, Jonathan Toews #19 and John Madden #11 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a goal against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010

With a corps of Conn Smythe trophy winner, Jonathan Toews, Norris Trophy Winner, Duncan Keith, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Niklas Hjalmarsson, it is impossible to deny that the Chicago Blackhawks have talent, and lots of it. Even with some key offseason losses, such as Dustin Byfuglien and Kris Versteeg, the Hawks still have enough sheer talent alone to defend Lord Stanley's Cup. Counting the Blackhawks out this early on with such an impressive roster seems pretty outrageous. 

2. Leadership

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PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 09: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman presents Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks with the Conn Smythe Trophy after teammate Patrick Kane scored the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 and win the

Although Chicago is still a very young team, don't let that fool you. The Hawks leadership mainly derives from an unlikely candidate: the second youngest team captain in NHL history. Jonathan Toews and his fellow Blackhawks have showed extreme signs of maturing on the ice, especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last June. They have learned to play as one, share the puck, stand up for one another, and most importantly, find ways to pull out a "W". 

3. Youth

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 17: Goaltender Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save on a shot by Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks in the third period during their NHL game at the Honda Center on March 17, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Du

It seems as though in the past few years, the Chicago Blackhawks system has been a factory for young talent. Some of their recent successes include Jonathan Toews, Pat Kane, Kris Versteeg, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Brent Seabrook, and Duncan Keith. Ever heard of them? Plus, currently many bright stars are in the development process of their careers. Some of these names include RW Jack Skille, G Corey Crawford, and LW Bryan Bickell. With more and more talent constantly being brought into the United Center, the Hawks should be a Stanley Cup contender for many years to come. 

4. Championship Experience

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PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 09: The Chicago Blackhawks pose for a team photo after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in overtime and win the Stanley Cup in Game Six of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Wachovia Center on June 9, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pen

After a drought of nearly half a century long, the Hawks went from being the laughingstock of the league several years ago, to becoming the champions. The formerly inexperienced Blackhawks were able to beat the odds by winning the Central Division, beating out their hated rival, the Detroit Red Wings. After notching the #2 spot in the Western Conference and finishing 3rd overall in the NHL, the Hawks beat the Nashville Predators then the Vancouver Canucks. Next they took out Joe Thorton, Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau, and the #1 seeded San Josee Sharks in a simple series sweep. The Hawks finally managed  to defeat the Cinderella-story Philadelphia Flyers team in 6 games. Now all the players returning from last season have gained full playoff and Stanley Cup experience. 

5. Desire

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 30: Brad Winchester #15 of the St. Louis Blues fights John Scott #32 of the Chicago Blackhawks during a pre-season game at the Scottrade Center on September 30, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The city of Chicago can be one of the most demanding sports environments in the world. With some of the proudest fans there are, Chicago athletes are required to put up numbers and give it their all or face the consequences. The Blackhawks were able to please their entire community last season by putting up a fantastic regular season record of 52-22-8. Also, the Hawks went 16-6 in the playoffs and won their first Stanley Cup since 1961. The question is: Will the Chicago Blackhawks put forth enough effort to repeat? That answer will soon be proven to be a 'Yes'. 

6. Coaching

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PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 09: Head coach Joel Quenneville (C) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates after the Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in overtime to win the Stanley Cup in Game Six of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Wachovia Center

Two seasons ago, the Blackhawks questionably replaced the beloved Denis Savard, only 3 games into the season with Joel Quenneville. This decision proved to be a great one. In only two years, Coach Q has taken the Hawks to the Western Conference Finals, and of course, won the Stanley Cup last season. Including the playoffs, Quenneville has coached Chicago to 122 wins in only two seasons. With Quenneville as the Hawks coach, their success will surely continue. 

7. Off-Season Acquirements

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 30: Viktor Stalberg #25 of the Chicago Blackhawks moves the puck up ice against B.J. Crombeen #26 of the St. Louis Blues during a pre-season game at the Scottrade Center on September 30, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip

With the extreme pressure of being able to fit under the salary cap, the Blackhawks were forced to make many trades soon after winning the Stanley Cup last June. From the Atlanta Thrashers, the Hawks acquired Marty Reasoner, Joseph Crabb, and Jeremy Morin. Then, from the Toronto Maple Leafs the hawks got forwards Chris DiDomenico, Viktor Stalberg, and Philippe Paradis. The Hawks then beat out the San Jose Sharks in signing Niklas Hjalmarsson. Finally, in another trade to the Atlanta Thrashers, the Blackhawks acquired Ivan Vishnevskiy. 

8. Fanbase

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CHICAGO - JUNE 11: Michigan Avenue is filled with fans during the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory parade and rally on June 11, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

In the last few seasons, the Hawks community has showed they sport some of the greatest fans in all of hockey. Blackhawks fans have always been dedicated, every since the team was a part of the Original Six playing in the Old Chicago Stadium. In 2009, the United Center rocketed up in attendance, as the whole stadium consistently sold out. In 2010, the Madhouse on Madison and its fans led the entire NHL in attendance. With a fantastic fan base supporting them, Chicago should have no trouble finishing atop the Western Conference this year. 

9. History

The Chicago Blackhawks sport one of the most honorable hockey franchises in the NHL. Also, the Hawks have had an extremely colorful history. Chicago has retired the jerseys of 7 players, whose banners hang in the rafters of the United Center. Some of these players include Bobby Hull, Denis Savard, Tony Esposito, and Stan Mikita. With a history as great as this, the Blackhawks will not dishonor it this season by failing to defend their championship. 

10. Pride

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CHICAGO - APRIL 12: Fans of the Chicago Blackhawks hold up a sign which reads 'Pride is Back' against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on April 12, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks won 3-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

After winning the Stanley Cup last year following a 49 year drought, the young Chicago Blackhawks finally got a taste of victory. Chicago surely won't enter the 2010-2011 NHL season lazily, and will put in 100% effort in defending thier trophy. There is also no way they will hand over the Central division title to their arch nemesis, the Detroit Red Wings. With such a young team full of players with many seasons left in gas tanks, this won't be the last Stanley Cup in the next decade for Chicago.