(TheFourthPeriod.com) -- Following a questionable start to the NHL's 2006-07 regular-season, the Chicago Blackhawks decided to make a significant move and fire head coach Trent Yawney.

With Denis Savard behind the bench, the Hawks hovered around the .500 mark until January, before freefalling down the standings once January came along.

The Blackhawks won only two games in the first month of the New Year. In their final 42 games of the season, Chicago posted a disappointing 14-24-4 record and finished fifth-last in the entire NHL.

"This past season was a roller coaster ride," said Blackhawks captain Adrian Aucoin. "One of the toughest things was a rough start resulting in the firing of our coach. Ironically, it turned into one of the highs with our great play following the changes. The low point was our 10-game winless streak. It was pretty hard on the team, especially the young guys."

Injuries took its toll on the Blackhawks this past season, limiting the likes of Aucoin to 59 games, superstar Martin Havlat to 56 contests and knocking top-line center Michal Handzus out of the season after the first eight games of the year.

"I was definitely frustrated (with the injury)," said Aucoin, who played in only 33 games with Chicago in 2005-06 due to groin and shoulder trouble. "The problem with groin injuries is that until the injury is completely healed, it just keeps on nagging. Also, it seems the older you get the more the bumps and bruises hang around. But summer training is here and the body is healing."

Havlat and Handzus were brought in during the off-season, in two separate trades, with the intention of bolstering the club's offense. Havlat was on pace for career numbers this season, if it wasn't for multiple injuries to his right ankle, groin and shoulder.

"Losing any of your teammates can be devastating, especially when it is your key guys," Aucoin said. "Sometimes it takes two to three players to fulfill one guy's role. And with the salary cap, it's not as easy to scoop another quality guy up to replace an injured player."

An area that was often questioned prior to the season was the Blackhawks goaltending. Nikolai Khabibulin had a less than impressive 2005-06 season, where he posted a 17-26-6 record with a 3.35 goals-against-average. The Bulin Wall managed to bounce back this year, compiling a 25-26-5 record with a 2.86 GAA and a .902 save percentage.

"He wants to win as much or more than anyone I have ever played with. It is scary how quick he can move," Aucoin said of his goalie. "He is a person of great pride who works amazingly hard every day. I always love playing with top players who are a good example for the young guys. I think as the team gets better and as we gel together more this upcoming year, we will be better defensively and Nik's game will just keep on getting better."

Two players who stepped up this year were defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

Keith, 23, and Seabrook, 22, played in their second NHL seasons and are quickly become the new face of Chicago's blueline.

"Both players are way ahead of their years," Aucoin explained. "Duncan is one of the best natural skaters in the game with just as big of a heart to go with that talent. Brent is an all around great defenseman with the poise and skill of a seasoned veteran. Both guys proved this past year that they are not only good players at this level, but that they can handle much greater roles."

Keith led the team in ice time, averaging 23:36 minutes per game, while Seabrook ranked fifth, skating in 20:46 minutes per game.

As the team looks forward and analyzes potentials moves to make this summer, it's clear the Hawks need to improve in a number of areas. While Havlat will return to the Hawks lineup (and hopefully remain healthy), the same might not be said for Handzus.

The 30-year-old center is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and may opt to test the waters if he doesn't receive an acceptable offer from the Hawks. It's uncertain as to what Handzus is looking for, however various reports suggest he wants a long-term contract worth around $4 million per season. If he returns, the Hawks will have a legitimate first line threat.

"Havlat's highlight reel speaks for itself. He is beyond incredible when he is on his game," Aucoin said. "Handzus is one of the most complete players that I have ever played with."

If the Hawks fail to re-sign Handzus, and are unable to acquire a replacement via free agency or trade, the club's next first-line center might be 19-year-old Jonathan Toews.

Toews, who helped guide Team Canada to the gold medal at this year's World Championships in Moscow, signed a three-year contract with Chicago on May 16 and is expected to make the roster this fall.

"(Toews) is a great player who is going to be a great NHL player," Aucoin said. "Although he will most likely get thrown right into the fire, he will still be young and a rookie. He will have plenty of time and opportunity to help our club. There will be twenty-two other guys helping him every day. He definitely has a great attitude, which is always good when you have a young skilled guy who will be a huge part of the organization in our future."

Draft third-overall in 2006, Toews demonstrates great offensive abilities and has solid knowledge of the defensive aspect of the sport. In nine games in the World Championships, the Winnipeg native scored two goals and added five assists for seven points.

The Blackhawks also hold the first-overall pick in this June's NHL Entry Draft. Between top prospects Patrick Kane, Kyle Turris, James vanRiemsdyk and Alexei Cherepanov, the club should add another young star to the mix.

With Toews and Tuomo Ruutu capable of handling the team's first and second line center positions, a healthy Aucoin and Havlat, a stellar, young blueline, and a few changes this summer, the Blackhawks should look like an entirely different hockey club in 2007-08.

"I think that if we can stay healthy, the steadier environment is going improve our game in leaps and bounds," said Aucoin. "Our line combinations won't deviate as much and our whole team game, especially the defensive part, will be much improved. I'm sure that another big time scorer or two would always help, as well."

Top 06-07 Performers | Off-Season Needs | Time to step up | Free Agents | Top Prospects

TOP 2000-07 PERFORMERS

up^

OFF-SEASON NEEDS

up^

TIME TO STEP UP

	Cam Barker It's hard to tell as 21-year-old with 36 pro-games under his belt to step up, but the Hawks need Barker to adjust to the NHL for the 2007-08 season. Barker's a big, talented blueliner who can play both ends of the ice. Chicago expects him to secure a full-time spot on the roster next year and strengthen the club's defensive core.
	Tuomo Ruutu Riddled by injuries in 2005-06, Ruutu had a tough time bouncing back last season. The Blackhawks need him to be a major player for them next season, and throughout the rest of his career. It's time for Ruutu to break out of his shell and prove to the hockey world that he's a legit first-line star.

up^

KEY FREE AGENTS

up^

TOP PROSPECTS