A common byproduct of talented youth is its unpredictability, which naturally leads to optimism. Unfortunately, too much youth inevitably will find its way mired in inconsistencies. The Chicago Blackhawks have found themselves brimming with optimism from their many talented youngsters, yet the 2007-08 season thus far has been a wild roller-coaster ride of inconsistencies. Since December 1st, the Hawks have been riding the waves of bad streaks and good streaks. First, they lost six out of seven games to start the month, then won four in a row before experiencing difficult eight-game losing streak that stretched well into January. Finally, they recovered with a four-game winning streak after consecutive shootout victories on the road.

Chicago’s latest upswing was not the direct result of a rookie, but nine-year veteran goaltender Patrick Lalime. After starting goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin broke down with soft goals and lost confidence during the eight-game losing streak, Lalime has entered the picture as a steadying presence between the pipes. He’s led the Blackhawks to four straight wins – three of which came in a shootout – on the strength of a 0.962 save percentage, and only once has he allowed more than one goal. In turn, the Chicago skaters seem to be playing with more confidence knowing they can trust their goaltender.

Chicago head coach Denis Savard has stated whichever goalie is winning will play, and right now Lalime is that guy. However, the 33-year-old backup netminder is no longer a starting goalie for a reason. He has yet to post a sub-3.00 GAA since his pre-lockout days playing behind an immensely talented Ottawa Senators team. His strong play likely won’t last for the duration of the season, and it’s the Blackhawks’ hope that Khabibulin can get his game – and brain – back on track once Lalime inevitably slips. If not, Chicago’s next streak could be the one that knocks the team out of playoff contention.

The Week Ahead

The Blackhawks close the first half of the season with a road game in San Jose on Tuesday night before coming home to face Columbus on Thursday evening. After those two games, the team will get some much needed rest to recuperate from injuries and a busy January schedule.

The post-All-Star break roster should have a different look. Rookie centers Jonathan Toews and Dave Bolland, along with tough guy Ben Eager, all will be returning to the lineup at some point following the break. Those players’ return will create a logjam for the bottom six forward spots, meaning some changes are on the way. GM Dale Tallon has made it known that he’s on the prowl to add a veteran defenseman, so a few players may find themselves traded rather than just up I90 in Rockford. Either way, the Hawks will need all the fresh legs they can get since the second half begins next Wednesday night in Colorado with a season-long seven-game road trip.