Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Things We Learned in Training Camp

The Chicago Blackhawks closed out their exhibition schedule Sunday with a 4-1 loss to Washington. The 'Hawks wind up the preseason with a 2-4-1 record that is as irrelevant as it is unremarkable.

Friday night is when the games start to count.

Training camp was two weeks that answered questions and brought up new ones on a daily basis. There are still a number of issues that will be addressed as Chicago prepares for the home-and-home series with Dallas that will open the 2011-12 season.

Here are five things we learned over the course of the last two weeks.

The 'Hawks Who Went Under the Knife This Summer Are Making Great Progress

Rostislav Olesz, the mystery man of the summer, spent most of the offseason recovering from knee surgery back in April. No one knew what to expect from the return gained from the Brian Campbell trade.

Olesz has actually brought something to the table.

He has skill with the puck and seems to have a willingness to dig the puck out of the corners. As I implored in Campbell's case when he was here, get the price tag out of your head. Olesz can be a very solid role player on this team.

Any doubt left from Patrick Kane's July procedure on his wrist seems to be eased when he participated in most of camp and skated in three preseason games. Bryan Bickell is showing no ill effects from surgery to repair ruptured ligaments in his wrist.

Adding to the good feeling surrounding these players is the quick healing of Patrick Sharp, who has returned to the ice and could be back with minimal time lost. No word on if he'll be any faster minus an appendix.

Brandon Saad Was a Steal

The surprise of this year's camp, Saad just kept impressing the front office with his play and will break camp as a member of the Blackhawks.

Saad lasted into the second week, long enough to win a spot for at least a few games with injuries to Viktor Stalberg and Ben Smith.

Chicago was negotiating terms for Saad's entry deal this weekend. It's still likely that he won't spend more than a few games with the club before some regulars return and is sent to his junior team in Saginaw.

Either way, Saad sent a message to a lot of talent evaluators over the last few weeks. Chicago got a talented player who fell into the second round of this summer's NHL draft.

Corey Crawford Is Ready

Crawford stood tall in the net Sunday, stopping 32 of 35 shots. The Capitals took advantage of a defense devoid of several top players and barraged the Blackhawks netminder with prime scoring opportunities all afternoon.

Crawford won both his preseason starts and looks ready for the start of the season. Regardless of who backs him up, he ought to be in line for 60-65 starts for Chicago. Both Crawford and the Blackhawks are hoping he will provide the stability in net the team has lacked in recent campaigns.

The Blackhawks Will Employ a Backup Goalie

One thing is for sure. Chicago will definitely have someone backing up Crawford this season. Who it will be seems to be the quandary facing the 'Hawks.

As of Monday morning, the team still has not named either Ray Emery or Alexander Salak to the job. It would appear that Salak was the more consistent performer in camp.

Emery was in uniform Sunday and on the bench serving as the backup. His tryout period ended on Saturday. If he's not the guy, why is he still around?

The longer this decision drags out, the more likely the scenario that Emery is being signed to a deal. The terms of a possible contract and how things settle behind Crawford are anyone's guess.

Everyone Is Eager to Begin the Regular Season

New pickups and returning players, vets and rookies, along with fans of all ages are prepared to get to the games that count in the standings.

The regular season is where many of the remaining questions will be answered. Sharp's return, how Kane fares at center and for how long, and how Saad handles opposing rosters full of NHL talent are but a few.

Looming at the top of the list: Can this team hoist another Stanley Cup in nine months?

The 'Hawks roster will have to be set by Wednesday. The 'Hawks will begin putting the season picture into focus Friday in Dallas.

Can't wait!