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Blackhawks Back On Solid Ice

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By IRA KAUFMAN

ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: February 17, 2009

Updated: 02/17/2009 07:00 am

TAMPA - Tonight's Lightning opponent has survived the lean years and stockpiled impressive young talent.

Sounds like a business model for the home team.

By capitalizing on some impact picks and several astute trades, the Blackhawks have been transformed into a rising power in the Western Conference, where Chicago appears locked into the No. 4 playoff slot.

"They've acquired a lot of skilled, young players and that team could be good for a long time," Tampa Bay center Jeff Halpern said. "You look at the teams that draft well year after year - Detroit, Dallas, San Jose, New Jersey. That's how you stay on top in this league."

Chicago's leading scorer, Patrick Kane, and talented center Jonathan Toews were selected with premier draft choices in the past three years and solid defenseman Duncan Keith (plus-28) was chosen in 2002.

Trades have also been instrumental in Chicago's ascension, bringing in snipers Martin Havlat and Patrick Sharp. Kris Versteeg, obtained from Boston two years ago, tops all rookies with 42 points.

"Chicago was at the bottom for so long and now they have rejuvenated the team and their fan base," said Lightning center Steven Stamkos, who has played in 52 of 56 games as a rookie. "And after you draft well, you have to be patient and have faith that those guys are going to develop into the players you thought they would be."

Tampa Bay's new ownership group has overhauled the club's scouting department and Stamkos represents the vanguard of a renewed emphasis on youth and development.

It's been virtually a lost decade at the draft board for the Lightning since Vinny Lecavalier was selected first overall in 1998.

The other Tampa Bay picks on the roster - Stamkos, Ryan Craig, Evgeny Artyukhin, Matt Smaby, Paul Ranger and goaltender Karri Ramo - are still trying to forge their NHL identities.

"The Blackhawks lost a lot and they have hit their draft picks," Tampa Bay coach Rick Tocchet said. "Now, they're reaping the benefits. You can see they're having a lot of fun playing together."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833.

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