Chicago Blackhawks: 6 Hawks That Could Score 30 or More Goals in 2011-12

The Chicago Blackhawks have jumped out to a good start in 2011-2012. This team is starting to take shape, roles are being identified and the Hawks will be a good if not great team this season.

With the forwards producing and a promising start, it is not unrealistic to think the Hawks may have as many as six players with 30 or more goals.  

Perhaps not, but the Hawks do have the depth and talent to dent the net often. Here are six players that may find themselves in that range when the regular season concludes.   

Patrick Kane

In his young career, this may be the best form Patrick Kane has been in. Hands down, he has been the Hawks best player in their first four games. The move to center has not altered how effective he can be offensively. When with the puck, he controls the game and as Pat Foley has said before, "He can stickhandle his way out of a phone booth."

In the first four games this season, Kane has potted two goals and added four assists.  In 2009-2010, he finished with a career-high 88 points, 30 of which were goals.  

There is no reason to think that Kaner cannot reach those totals or better this season.

Marian Hossa

The same question you have heard before, "Can he stay healthy?" The Hawks have yet to get a full season out of Hossa since he arrived in the summer of 2009. He did miss the game against the Boston Bruins, but it sounds like it won't be a major issue.   

Hossa still managed 24 and 25 goals the past two years, respectively, despite playing in less than 70 contests in each season.  If Hossa can stay in form for at least that many games, he could reach the 30 mark.   

Jonathan Toews

Traditionally, Jonathan Toews does not score many goals early in the season, so do not be fooled by his lone tally to date. Toews is a warrior that improves as the season goes along, and for those of you that do not recall the player he is during the months of January and February, just you wait.

In his first four seasons in the NHL, Tazer has scored over 30 goals twice. Last season, he finished with 32. If he remains on a line with Patrick Sharp and Andrew Brunette, he should see a plethora of scoring chances.

Look for No. 19 to continue to put up numbers and reach 30 goals. 

Patrick Sharp

Patrick Sharp does not need to pick it up a notch. It seems that missing training camp may have affected his condition, but regardless, he is more than capable of scoring 30 or more again this season.

Sharp shoots the puck more than anyone on the Blackhawks. If you don't shoot, you don't score, and Sharp has a very hot trigger hand.

You will continue to see Sharp sneaking in the back door on the power play and converting in different situations.    

Andrew Brunette

At the ripe old age of 38, Andrew Brunette is still a slot machine. Both of his goals this season came from right in front of the net, and you can expect more of that form No. 15.  

Brunette averaged over 20 goals the last three seasons with the Minnesota Wild. Scoring that many goals on a defensive-minded team like the Wild is no easy feat.

With more guns to work with in Chicago and a nose for the net, it should be no surprise to see Brunette with a very high goal total come season's end.  

Dave Bolland

Dave Bolland has three goals in his first three games, and while he should not be expected to come close to scoring a goal a game, his start could put him on a path to 30.

We have been waiting for a full season from Bolland. If he can play up to 70 games, he will continue to find the twine. Bolland, along with Bryan Bickell and Michael Frolik, can provide more offense than most third-line units in the league.

With the chemistry of that group, you may see Bolland with his best season as a pro. Bolland is quickly emerging as one of the best young centers in the league.