Chicago Blackhawks Tickets

Chicago Blackhawks 2010 Playoffs Preview The Chicago Blackhawks reached the 2010 NHL playoffs after running away with the Central Division title. They have the look of a team that can finally remind Chicago fans of their hockey glory days.

The Blackhawks come streaking into the playoffs, so they appear sharp and ready to make a run at the Stanley Cup. Chicago had struggled a bit coming off of the two-week break for the Olympics, but they seem to have regained their form at just the right time.

Patrick Kane didn't have a huge impact for Team USA during the Olympics, but he has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Blackhawks this year. He will be the go-to scorer in the postseason.

The only bit of concern comes down to the goaltending situation, which is a delicate one at best. It appears as though Antti Niemi has solidified himself as the stopper, but there is still some doubt.

It cannot be overstated how important goaltending is come playoff time. A hot goaltender can allow a team to steamroll through the playoffs and cover up other deficiencies while a poor one can submarine any attempt at winning the Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks do have a very strong defensive group, and that could help limit the number of good shots opponents can fire at the net. Still, Niemi is going to have to make a couple of big saves at some point in the playoffs.

It's been an awful long time since a Chicago hockey team was a real threat to reach the Stanley Cup finals, but this group has the chance to do just that.