The Blackhawks started their much anticipated 2009 campaign today as they look to build off last season’s success.  The offense looked aggressive while getting 55 shots on net.  Unfortunately, Florida’s Tomas Vokoun was stellar in net, stopping 52 of those shots.  The Hawks got goals from Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, and Dustin Byfuglien and had a 3-2 lead late in the game.  However, a crucial turnover in the Hawk’s zone allowed Florida to score a late goal and force overtime.  After a scoreless overtime, Jonathan Toews scored the lone Hawk’s shootout goal as Florida buried two shots for the win.

Today’s loss brings back haunting memories from last year when the Hawks struggled to win overtime games early in the season.  Eventually, they finished up leading the Western Conference in overtime losses with 12.  These overtime games will be crucial for the Blackhawks this year as they need to prove they can win games in clutch situations.

The loss also fails to halt concerns about Blackhawk’s goaltender Cristobal Huet.  After playing a mediocre game between the pipes in regulation, Huet was beat twice in the shootout as the Hawks took the loss.  He will need to perform better as the year goes on to help keep the Hawks in legitimate contention.

Patrick Kane and his Cousin James Kane were arrested this morning in Buffalo, New York after an altercation with a cab driver.  The Kane cousins are said to have each punched the cab driver after the driver did not have 20 cents in coins to give them exact change from their fair.  The cousins then proceeded to take back the money from their fare.  According to the Chicago Tribune, a witness to the event called the police and the Kanes were arrested and charged with second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief and theft of services, both Class A misdemeanors.  Earlier today the Kanes entered a not-guilty plea.

As of now there are still facts to be released so the Blackhawks have kept quiet.  But at this point we do know that Patrick Kane was arrested and charged with some serious crimes and a witness or more also saw the altercation and recognized the hockey star.  A news interview with the cabbie also reveals the bruises to his face.  That is enough for me to judge as it all seems real enough.  Whether Kane was provoked or there is more to the story we don’t know about yet, it will be tough to justify the beating of a cab driver over 20 cents.  Patrick Kane and his lawyer have also kept quiet which leads me to believe that Patrick Kane doesn’t have much of a side to tell.  However, I’m sure they will formulate one.

What was Kane thinking in this situation?  I assume he had been drinking because the cab picked them up from a Buffalo area known for its nightlife life at around 4 a.m.  Still, how can he be so careless and lose his mind over 20 cents?  There is clearly something wrong with him.

There are few things I dislike more than when athletes morph into criminals and lose all common sense in the process.  I hope the Hawks discipline him properly if the case is as simple as him and his cousin beating up a cab driver.  No matter how the court hearings play out, he should be suspended for a game or two for being stupid and getting into this mess.  Mistakes happen and hopefully he doesn’t face too much legal trouble, but the Hawks need to lay down the law to drive some sense into Kane’s skull.  The Hawks have made great strides recently to set a great image for Chicago hockey and they don’t need Patrick Kane ruining that image.

The Blachhawks took a big step forward today by signing veteran winger Marian Hossa to a 12 year deal.  He became an unrestricted free agent today and the Hawks were quick to grab him before he could get away.  A 4 time all star, Hossa scored 40 goals and added 31 assists this past season.

This is a great move for the hawks.  As we could see from last season, the Hawks are right among the top teams in the NHL and are extremely close to winning it all.  Hossa gives the Hawks a much needed veteran presence as they gear up for another playoff push.  Also, he has the elite talent to help the Hawks make the final jump and bring home a Stanley Cup.

Another exciting year for Blackhawks hockey is clearly on the horizon.  This year however they won’t be coming up short.  Go Hawks!