Article updated: 1/18/2013 7:28 PM

Will Hawks get the Blues in Central Division race?

Buy this photo Buy this photo
next prev 1 of 2
   
Gallery Image

The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane attempts a shot against Blues goaltender Brian Elliott during the breakaway challenge at NHL All-Star Skills Competition in Ottawa, Ontario, on Jan. 28, 2012.

Associated Press

The Blackhawks and captain Jonathan Toews will have their hands full during the lockout-shortened season trying to keep up with goalie Brian Elliott and the defending Central Division champion St. Louis Blues.

Associated Press

About this Article

Call it the new-look Central Division. Gone are superstars Nicklas Lidstrom, who finally retired in Detroit, Ryan Suter, who left Nashville as a free agent for Minnesota, and Rick Nash, traded by Columbus to the New York Rangers. St. Louis returns everyone from a team that finished with 109 points and made what could be a key addition Friday by signing free-agent defenseman Wade Redden. There's no reason to think the Blues won't win the division again thanks to the 1-2 punch of Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott in goal.