All of this despite playing only one less game

Penn State Picks This article is also featured on Handicapping Experts: 2010 NFL Super Bowl Picks. This year, the Chicago Blackhawks are known for their star offensive players. Jonathon Toews, Marian Hossa, and Patrick Sharp are three of the biggest superstars in the game today.One of the biggest mistakes a Hawks fan can make is to think that these three players are the reason they are winning games. Although they are putting up good numbers, the Hawks still have the ninth best offense in the NHL.The question is, how do they have the ninth best offense in the NHL and still hold second place in the standingsThe answer lies in another statistic. The Blackhawks have the best defense in the NHL, allowing an average of two goals per game (yes, 2.00 exactly). All of this despite playing only one less game.A lot of this has to do with goal tending, and more of it has to do with the defensive play in front of the goalies. The Blackhawks have a very young defensive squad that is also very talented.The oldest player on the roster is Brent Sopel, who is only 32-years-old.The thing that I like in the Blackhawks is that they are using the best strategy possible.

They are limiting the quality shots on goal (and the shots on goal in general) and using their strong offense to take advantage of the other team's mistakes.A lot of people think that the new era of hockey revolves around offense. I disagree, I think that the new era of hockey forces you to have a stronger defense.That's exactly what the Blackhawks are doing this season, and they are seeing a lot of wins because of it.More of my NHL Opinions. As the year 2009 is quickly coming to an end, it's about time for Wisconsin football fans to look to next August.No, the Badgers haven't even completed their 2009 campaign, but with the roster Wisconsin has coming back, it's never too early to look ahead.Although their recruiting class for the 2010 season is by no means something to salivate over, it does have a few bright spots that could contribute in the near future.Wisconsin's 2010 recruiting class is ranked No 38 in the nation with 13 three-star recruits. However, Wisconsin received no four or five-star commits and none of their current recruits are ranked in the top 100 nationally.Out of 18 current commitments, six of them are slated to play on offense.However, it's quite likely none of them will see the field next year seeing as how Wisconsin is bringing back a roster that is absolutely loaded on offense.Leading the way for the 2010 offensive class is quarterback Joe Brennan.

Brennan, out of Cherry Hill, NJ, is the 35th-best quarterback in his class according to Scout .As a junior he passed for close to 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 300 yards. It's very unlikely Brennan will get any action next year considering current starter Scott Tolzien will be back for his senior season and redshirt freshman Curt Phillips is next in line.However, with the addition of Brennan, along with starter-in-waiting Phillips, depth at the quarterback position is something Wisconsin will not have to worry about for the next few years.Although adding more running backs certainly isn't on Wisconsin's list of top priorities, they added another one for their 2010 class anyway.Jeff Lewis, a 6-2, 200-pound slasher out out of Brookfield, Wis., adds even more depth to a rushing unit that is one of the best in the nation.Lewis is rated as the 50th-best running back in his class and will add some burst to the Wisconsin offense However, it could be a while before he takes the field. Nick Toon and Isaac Anderson will be the two starting receivers, but beyond that anything is up for grabs. David Gilreath has been inconsistent at the receiver position, Maurice Moore was indefinitely suspended, and Kyle Jefferson hasn't produced since his freshman year.If Mason can impress in practice, it will be hard to redshirt someone with his size and potential.Herring, a 6-3 tight end out of Belleville, Ill. and 6-8, 340-pound Robby Havenstein of Frederick, Md.In my next piece, I'll highlight next year's defensive recruits. .

Deprived of their best defenseman since the first game of the season, the Montreal Canadiens have experienced a roller coaster ride that has seen them fall to fourth in the Northeast division, only two points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.In the process, the Canadiens' defense has been shaky. However, this is not due entirely to Markov's absence, as injuries have left their mark as well.After sitting out for 11 weeks, Markov finally returns to a team that desperately needs him.The return of Markov is a godsend for the Canadiens. Their breakout, which has been God-awful at times, will benefit greatly from his return. The power play as well should receive a significant boost.He adds another dimension to the power play in the form of his excellent on-ice vision, as well as his booming shot from the point. The Canadiens' defensemen have had a hard time this season connecting cross-ice feeds to forwards, but that should change with Markov back in the lineup.What must be kept in mind is that although Markov is returning ahead of his previously scheduled February return date, his presence alone will not immediately revive the ailing Habs, who have now dropped five games in a row.Luckily for Markov, the Canadiens will face lesser teams like the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes for the rest of the month, which will allow him to ease his way back into the lineup, as opposed to facing the Washington Capitals or the Pittsburgh Penguins.However, he probably won't hit his full stride until a few games, as it would be a little too much to expect him to be dominant as soon as he returns.One who might suffer from Markov's return might be Marc-Andre Bergeron.Bergeron has seen heavy minutes since he was signed on October 6, and has been a mainstay on the power play, even playing forward on a few occasions.While his power play minutes are unlikely to suffer, Bergeron's total ice time is sure to go down, especially since he hasn't done much to warrant those minutes. His ability to breakout of the defensive zone helped the Canadiens quite a bit on his arrival, but his defensive play has been shaky at best.It should be interesting to see if Bergeron will be paired along with Markov on the power play, or if he will get moved down to the second unit.Those who will benefit the most from Markov's return however, will be Jaroslav Spacek, Roman Hamrlik, and Josh Gorges.All three blueliners have been eating up minutes, and are obviously weary and fatigued in the third period, especially since they play in all situations.Unlike Bergeron, who has been so-so, all three defensemen have truly carried the load defensively.