Free Agency Home Run!!!!

Another post that no one will care about except me. July 1st was the opening day for free agency in hockey. Usually the Blackhawks end up over spending for mediocre talent. This year the 3 best players available were Huet (goalie) Campbell (defenseman) and Hossa (forward) In years past I wouldn't even think we would have a chance at any of those three. Chicago was so bad for so long we could (and did) offer more money to the best players but they chose to take less money and play elsewhere. Since the owner died last November his son has really turned things around. We didn't make the playoffs last year but we were only 3 points away. Closer than we've been in years. Anyway, these veterans out there looking for a big payday and a Stanley Cup have noticed our young talent (Calder trophy winner Patrick Kane 19 years old) and Calder trophy runner up 20 year old Johnathon Toews.

To make a long story short (I know, too late) we signed both Campbell and Huet. Our biggest weaknesses last year were our power play and Campbell is widely considered the best power play quarterback out there and we give up too many soft goals. Huet went 11-2 down the stretch to get the Washington Capitals into the playoffs. Even ESPN is saying we are the only team to hit a "home run" in free agency.

After a decade (sans 2002) outside looking in during playoff time barring any kind of devastating injuries we'll be in the playoffs and may even contend for the coveted Stanley Cup.