Rangers going for 3-0 start, face Blackhawks

Even though the Chicago Blackhawks fell just short of the playoffs in 2007-08, they were encouraged by the success of talented rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Perhaps the addition of two veterans can help the club end its seven-year postseason drought. Free-agent acquisitions Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet join the second-year stars as the visiting Blackhawks open their season on Friday with a matchup against the New York Rangers, who look to start with three straight wins for the first time in 19 years. After Chicago finished last in the Central Division with 71 points in 2006-07, the team turned in a third-place finish and a 17-point improvement behind Kane and Toews last season. The top overall draft pick in 2007, Kane led all rookies with a team-high 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) en route to becoming the... [read full story]