Chicago Blackhawks Game Preview: 5 Keys to Success Against the Dallas Stars

Get fired up folks!  Opening night for the Chicago Blackhawks is Friday night. Though there are a lot of games ahead, the first game is always the most eagerly anticipated contest of the regular season.

When the Hawks roll into Dallas on Friday night, we will see what kind pairings and tactics Joel Quenneville will utilize to lock down the Hawks' first win.  

Last season, the Hawks went 1-2-1 with a shootout loss against the Stars. The Hawks were also embarrassed and physically dominated in a 5-0 loss in Dallas last March.

Now the Hawks' look is different and it's a new season.  It goes without saying that the Hawks will have to win the special teams battle on Friday night, but here are five other things they must do to come out on top. 

Control the Pace

For the last two seasons, teams have gotten in trouble against the Blackhawks when they attempt to go stride for stride with them.  Time will tell whether or not the Stars will attempt to do this or if they will sit back in a 1-2-2 forecheck.  

Given it is their home opener, my money is on the Stars coming out hard against the Hawks before sitting back later in the game.  The Hawks may have to weather a storm or two, but eventually the swift skating Hawks will have to control the speed of the game.

If the pace is fast, it will favor forwards Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa. 

Should the Stars chose to play a back and fourth game, the Hawks will have the opportunity to move the puck, counter attack and dictate the tempo throughout the night.

Take Care of the Defensive End

When the Hawks have been successful in the past, it is largely due to great in-zone play.  Friday will be no different and the responsibilities are not limited to defenseman.

Some of the younger Hawks wingers will have to do a better job than they did last year of covering the points and taking care of the puck.  Turnovers in between the tops of the circles and the defensive blue line cannot happen.

The Hawks do have one of the best defensive corps in the NHL, and we will get a first hand look at how they will gel together against the Stars.  Breakout passes need to be crisp, on the tape, and the smart play will have to be made at all times.   

If the Hawks take care of their own end, goals will eventually come.

Get Pucks to the Net

Though the Hawks have the playmakers to be creative, there is no substituting for getting pucks to the net early in the contest.  

Whether or not it is a prime scoring chance, they will have to get bodies in front to create opportunities. If they show this tenacity early the game, it will eventually open up better scoring chances.

More than likely, Kari Lehtonen will get the start for the Stars and while he is decent, he is by no means impenetrable.  

Hopefully you will see new additions, Jamal Mayers, Andrew Brunette and second year winger Bryan Bickell create enough traffic in front to give the Hawks an advantage.     

Ignore Steve Ott

It is easier said than done to ignore Steve Ott's antics.  Last season, every time the Hawks played the Stars, Steve Ott found a way to get under the skin of the Chicago players.  He bullied them relentlessly and it took the Hawks away from their game.

Having someone focus on Ott and antagonize him right back would be an ideal role for a player like Daniel Carcillo.  But in a shocking, completely out of character move, Carcillo got himself suspended for the first two games of the regular season.

It may not be a bad idea for coach Q to have Jamal Mayers on the ice with Ott as often as possible.  It would be good to keep Ott under wraps to protect the Hawks more skilled players.

Regardless, the Hawks will have to be mentally tough and focus on the task at hand. If they let Steve Ott take them away from their game plan, it could be a long night.    

Win the 50/50 Battles

In most hockey games the team that wins the battles in the corners and along the walls usually wins the contest.  For Hawks wingers such as Bryan Bickell, Michael Frolik and others, winning loose pucks is vital to the outcome of the game.  

This is something that the Hawks were soft at last year and often had difficulty staying of the defensive side of the puck in certain situations. 

We will find out tomorrow night, and in the games to come, if certain players are willing to accept their roles.  Championship caliber teams need to have players doing the little things and contributing through a mucking and grinding style of play.

Friday night will be the first test.