Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- 1 To Go

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! We are down to one more preseason game before the fun can officially start on October 5th when our Blackhawks host the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center. 

I remember last year writing how it was the longest summer ever after watching the Chicago Blackhawks advance deep into the playoffs with two Stanley Cup Championships for three straight summers, but this summer has been even worse in my eyes.  It’s hard to believe it’s been over 5 months since the Chicago Blackhawks have played a meaningful game.

The good thing is that the season is right around the corner, the bad thing is I have more angst then I did after the 2012 playoff loss to the Phoenix Coyotes.  In 2013 it was a lockout shortened season, but the Hawks came out red hot.  I don’t know if that will be the case this season.

They were red hot in their first two preseason games, but they have kind of fizzled out with more of the stars in the lineup which does worry me a bit.  Sure, it’s preseason hockey and you can throw it all away like a grain of salt, but sometimes there is some carry over to the regular season.

More from Blackhawks News

• Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
• Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver
• Blackhawks: Why Derek King is the Right Coach moving forward
• Marc-Andre Fleury Carries the Blackhawks to a 4-2 Win vs Seattle
• Instant Reaction: Blackhawks top Kraken for first time in history

There are two players that I think will have a huge impact on this season. One is Patrick Sharp and what is left in his tank.  Maybe the injury and surgery will give him some extra miles or maybe he will be a bust like almost every player that has returned to the Chicago Blackhawks fold.

The other player is Richard Panik.  Panik really had a breakout season last year, and he will get to play with a stud in Brandon Saad and of course the Captain Jonathan Toews. Will he be able to duplicate or surpass last years stats could be the difference between a good and great season by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Only 6 days left! Here are some morning links to start your Friday! 

Speaking of Panik, this is what Joel Quenneville had to say about the Chicago Blackhawks forward (Blackhawks)

Ask a Canadian what the American Flag protests mean (Second City)

What should we expect from Nick Schmaltz this season (Faxes from Uncle Dale)

And here also is a look at Jan Rutta (Hockey Buzz)

Corey Crawford revels in his new off ice role (CSN)

St Louis Blues have discussed signing Jaromir Jagr (Score)

3 Unlikely breakout players for the Nashville Predators (Predlines)

Robby Fabbri season ending injury is a crushing blow to the Blues (Bleedin Blue)

Will there be more trades this coming season (FanRag)

Next: This Weeks Power Rankings

Islanders propose new stadium near Belmont Park (Pro Hockey Talk)