Blackhawks Play Games That Actually Matter This Week

By Todd McClamroch in News on Oct 2, 2006 6:05PM

Over the weekend, the Blackhawks reduced their roster to 22 by sending seven players down to the AHL Norfolk Admirals in preparation for the start of the 2007 regular season. The 22-player roster includes 14 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 net-minders. For those playing at home, the players shipped out were Michael Blunden (F), Brandon Bochenski (F), Dave Bolland (F), Jonas Nordqvist (F), Dustin Byfuglien (D), Danny Richmond (D), and James Wisniewski (D).

The Blackhawks had an impressive pre-season, compiling a 7-1 record, outscoring opponents 29-17. Chicagoist knows that the pre-season is not usually a good measuring stick in any sport -- just look at the Bears who were an average 2-2 in the pre-season but now are the top team in the NFC at 4-0.

So Chicagoist and Blackhawk fans will need to look at the first regular season games to determine if the Blackhawks will be playoff contenders this year. On Thursday night the Hawks face off with the Nashville Predators in their season opener. That game can be viewed on Chicago Sports Network (CSN) at 7 p.m. The Blackhawks' home opener will be on Saturday versus the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7:30 p.m.