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Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Bold Predictions for 2014-15 Season

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Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Bold Predictions for 2014-15 Season

Chicago Blackhawks 2014-15 Season
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The Chicago Blackhawks once again have the look of an elite NHL team, and they're looking to supplant the Los Angeles Kings as Stanley Cup Champions just as they did in 2012-13. Here are 5 bold Blackhawks-related predictions for the 2014-15 season.

5. Patrick Kane puts up 95 points

Patrick Kane
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5. Patrick Kane puts up 95 points

Patrick Kane
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Injuries and shoddy linemates have held back Patrick Kane from a true offensive breakout for years. Those excuses are gone this season, and his personal stat sheet will see the benefits.

4. Jonathan Toews Scores 40 Goals

Jonathan Toews
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4. Jonathan Toews Scores 40 Goals

Jonathan Toews
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Jonathan Toews scored at a 40-goal-per-82-game pace in both 2011-12 and 2012-13. The numbers will come; the real challenge for Toews is staying healthy long enough for them to accumulate.

3. Trevor van Riemsdyk Becomes An Above-Average #5 Defenseman

Trevor van Riemsdyk
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3. Trevor van Riemsdyk Becomes An Above-Average #5 Defenseman

Trevor van Riemsdyk
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Trevor van Riemsdyk was never expected to even challenge for a roster spot in Chicago, but he was flat-out better than the team's defensive prospects in the preseason and has more than earned a long look. He's surprisingly poised and intelligent in his own zone for a rookie; it's hardly out of the question to project van Riemsdyk as a quality No. 5 by season's end.

2. Blackhawks Surpass 120 Points in the Regular Season

Chicago Blackhawks 2014-15
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2. Blackhawks Surpass 120 Points in the Regular Season

Chicago Blackhawks 2014-15
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Chicago played dreadful hockey for much of the 2013-14 season and still came away from it with 107 points. With an improved roster and the more consistent focus that comes with chasing a Stanley Cup rather than defending one, the Blackhawks have a great shot at 120.

1. Corey Crawford Wins the Vezina Trophy

Corey Crawford
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1. Corey Crawford Wins the Vezina Trophy

Corey Crawford
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Long one of the most disrespected and under-appreciated members of the Blackhawks, 2014-15 is Corey Crawford's year to shine. He's already started things off brilliantly with a fantastic performance against the Dallas Stars, leading Chicago to a win in a game it should have lost by three or four.

Sean Sarcu is a Chicago Blackhawks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.

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