Despite uncertainty, Blackhawks have reasons to be optimistic

The Blackhawks have their share of question marks approaching Thursday's regular-season opener at Colorado.

Can Bryan Bickell, Jack Skille, Viktor Stalberg and Fernando Pisani replace all that Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg and John Madden did?

Will Marty Turco, at 35, have a big bounce-back year as the No. 1 goaltender?

How badly will defenseman Brian Campbell be missed for the first five weeks of the season?

Despite the uncertainty, there are more than a few reasons for great optimism as the Hawks prepare to defend the Stanley Cup.

1. Marian Hossa: A dominant preseason showed that Hossa might be ready to return to form as an elite goal scorer after being slowed by shoulder surgery to start his first season with the Hawks.

“Obviously he was great in the playoffs and great in the regular season last year, but I think he's back to the Hoss of old, and that's not taking anything away from what he did for our team last year, captain Jonathan Toews said.

“Last year he could kind of blend into our offense and not have to carry four lines on his back as far as scoring goes. But now it seems he's back to that superstar category where he can pretty much go through an entire team by himself because he's so fast and good with the puck.

Hossa scored 24 goals in just 57 games last season, but it's not out of the question to think he could approach previous totals of 45, 39, 43 and 40 goals.

“He looks quicker and has the puck more, Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said.

2. The power play: The Hawks scored 5 power-play goals in their final two preseason games and hope to carry that momentum into Colorado.

Patrick Sharp looks more comfortable at the right point opposite Duncan Keith, who should have another big offensive year.

Quenneville likes Tomas Kopecky in front of the net with Toews and Patrick Kane on the first unit. Hossa will anchor the second unit for now.

“Our power play is something we're going to have to rely on this year, Quenneville said. “It's a key part of our team. That's where we're looking for some production.

“Our personnel is capable of improving off of last year's numbers. Both units should be able to produce regularly and consistently.

3. Tomas Kopecky: The second-year Hawk is coming off a strong preseason and is going to get a great opportunity to succeed, playing on the top line with Toews and Hossa as well as the first power-play unit.

It would be a big boost to the team if Kopecky could double his 10-goal output of last season.

“This year he's been really good in training camp and that line's been very dangerous and that whole line looks like they're excited about playing together, Quenneville said. “I think he took off where he left off last year.

4. Leddy and Morin: The pair of 19-year-olds look to have a bright futures on the West Side.

Defenseman Nick Leddy will start the year with the Hawks, while Morin was assigned to Rockford. Morin, however, should be one of the first call-ups should the Hawks need a forward with some offensive punch.

Leddy is in a tough spot, trying to replace Campbell's minutes. He impressed the heck out of Quenneville in the preseason, but now the test will be to keep it up when everything is ramped up to the next level.

5. Home schedule: The Hawks say they need to get off to a good start, and playing eight of their first 12 games at the United Center should help achieve that goal.

The Hawks were 29-8-4 on home ice last season, collecting 62 out of a possible 82 points.