The Chicago Blackhawks are clinging to their slim hopes of making the playoffs. They will have to rely on the talent and enthusiasm of a pair of 19-year-old rookies, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

The Chicago Blackhawks honored Hall of Fame goaltender Tony Esposito earlier this week. Perhaps more importantly, new owner Rocky Wirtz's actions have started to restore the soul of this long-neglected franchise.

The Blackhawks have had the misfortune of inconsistent play in goal throughout most of the season. As has been the case many times this season, though, a glimpse into the future revealed strong promise in Corey Crawford.

In a season of rebirths for the Blackhawks, perhaps even more so off the ice than on, it only was a matter of time until the 'Hawks re-embraced the stars of yesteryear. Friday night was such a time for former greats, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita.

Since October, the Martin Havlat Question was simmering below the surface for the Chicago Blackhawks. The nagging what-do-we-do feeling came to a boiling point on Wednesday night when Havlat reinjured his fragile right shoulder.

The Stars outbid the Blackhawks on deadline day, acquiring star forward Brad Richards from the Lightning. And now Richards is expected to make his Stars debut against the 'Hawks on Thursday night, in brilliant 1080i on HDNet live at 8:30pm ET.

The NHL trading deadline day greeted Chicago residents with five inches of fresh snow, declining temperatures, and strong winds. Unfortunately for Chicagoans, and Blackhawks' fans alike, trade winds played a minimal role in the day’s proceedings.

Jonathan Toews isn’t near the class of a Joe Sakic or Steve Yzerman just yet, but there is no denying the 19-year-old’s special qualities and importance within the framework of the Chicago Blackhawks lineup.