Wendel Clark. (Reuters)

1998-99 record: 29-41-12, 70 points, 3rd Central Division
Coach: Lorne Molleken (13-6-4, one year as Blackhawks coach)
New faces: D Bryan McCabe, G Steve Passmore, LW Wendel Clark, G Michel Larocque, LW J.P. Dumont, RW Ty Jones
Losses: C Sylvain Cloutier
Strengths: The team responded under Molleken, finishing last season with an 8-1-2 stretch. Under mounting pressure, GM Bob Murray did a solid job turning over the roster. Ds Anders Eriksson and Boris Mironov will begin their first full seasons in Chicago. Clark was signed as a free agent. Never mind that there was no one else to scare opponents, RW Tony Amonte tied for second in the NHL with 44 goals. He's as good a sniper as there is. Help may be on the way in Dumont, the NHL's Rookie of the Month for April. The acquisition of McCabe from Vancouver adds toughness to a defense that needs it.
Weaknesses: At their best, Cs Doug Gilmour and Alexei Zhamnov were among the league's top playmakers. Unfortunately, it appears their best years are behind them. Chicago made a five-game improvement at home, but needs to create at the United Center the kind of advantage that existed across the street at Chicago Stadium. Goaltending is shaky, at best, with journeyman Steve Passmore backing up Jocelyn Thibault. The Hawks still are waiting for RW Eric Daze to realize his potential. He's alternated good year and bad, meaning a big season in store after 22 goals in 1998-99.