Is it too early to have concerns with Hawks?

There will be no shortage of storylines to follow tonight when the Blackhawks play their home opener against the Colorado Avalanche.

The United Center will be packed and alive just as it was all of last year when the Hawks went 24-9-8 on home ice enroute to racking up 104 points, but what about the real issues of concern to many fans a week into the season?

This starts a key stretch of eight of 10 at home, all but one of those games against Western Conference rivals including Calgary, Edmonton, Nashville, Dallas, Vancouver and Minnesota.

Of course, it's early in the season, but here are a few things that could become worrisome the rest of the month.

Cristobal Huet: He is 0-2 in his first 2 starts, both 1-goal defeats, and has allowed a couple questionable goals, such as Kris Draper's shot to the short side in Thursday's 3-2 loss at Detroit. His save percentage is a lowly .872.

Already there are some fans calling for Antti Niemi to get more starts, but coach Joel Quenneville doesn't have a problem with Huet yet. Quenneville said Huet played "fine" against the Red Wings, and didn't fault his work in the 4-3 loss to Florida in Finland, where the Hawks blew three 1-goal leads.

Huet might need to prove himself to the home fans before the UC becomes an uncomfortable place for him to play. It should be noted, however, that Huet was 10-5-1 at home last season with a 2.43 goals-against average.

The power play: It's a solid 4-for-13 after three games but 0-for-2 with two-man advantages, both lasting 55 seconds or more.

The failure for 1:53 in the second period at Detroit with the Hawks owning a 1-0 lead likely changed the outcome of the game.

The Wings took away Patrick Kane's playmaking down low, leaving Brent Seabrook and Cam Barker to fire away from the top of the circles. All but one of their shots got blocked.

"We'll have to look at the tape and sit down with the coaches and figure out what to do," Patrick Sharp said. "Maybe move the puck a little quicker, who knows? But we've got to find a way to put one in, for sure."

Jonathan Toews: The Hawks' captain and leading goal scorer last season hasn't tallied yet, bringing up comparisons to last year when he went the first 12 games without a goal.

Toews doesn't have an assist either, but he is plus-3. He should be the least of anyone's worries at this early stage.

Toughness: This is a hot button topic for many fans. Do the Hawks need an enforcer-type guy to help protect their skill players?

The Red Wings obviously felt that was one of their needs and went out and signed veteran Brad May on Thursday.

"I'll be there for these guys all year," May said.

The Hawks preach team toughness, and they were plenty tough in the playoffs last spring, but now Adam Burish is done basically for the season and Ben Eager is out indefinitely.

The Hawks would rather have Dustin Byfuglien and Brent Seabrook on the ice than fighting opponents. Also, Troy Brouwer is not considered a fighter and newly acquired Radek Smolenak doesn't have an intimidating presence.

This will continue to be the great debate, although it's not known if toughness is being debated at any length in the front office.

Those darn expectations: They aren't going away, and tonight provides a perfect example of how the Hawks better be ready to play a young and hungry Avs team that no doubt will be up for them.

Scouting: Colorado Avalanche at the United Center

Time: 7:30 p.m.

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WGN 720-AM.

What to watch: The rebuilding Avs are off to a 2-1 start under new coach Joe Sacco and have handed the No. 1 goaltending duties to former Hawk and Park Ridge native Craig Anderson. Before losing Thursday at Nashville, Anderson stopped 73 of 75 shots in wins over San Jose and Vancouver.

Last season: The Hawks and Avs split their series 2-2.

Next: Calgary Flames at the United Center, 7 p.m. Monday.

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