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.