KEY ADDITIONS				KEY LOSSES
Name Wendel Clark Bryan McCabe Steve Passmore	Pos. F D G	From Red Wings Canucks Oilers		Name Mark Fitzpatrick Craig Mills	Pos. G F	To Hurricanes Coyotes

Outlook
The question Chicago Blackhawks fans ask these days is this: Which Hawks club are we going to see this season? The one which began 1998-99 with a dreadful mark of 16-35-8 or the one which finished the campaign with a record of 13-6-4?

		The biggest challenge will be winning close games against good teams. The Blackhawks haven't had success in a few years so their foundation of confidence can't be that high to draw from. They have to believe the team that went 13-6-4 down the stretch last year was as good as the record showed. If the Blackhawks sign Boris Mironov and Anders Eriksson to new contracts, then there are few questions concerning the defense, but if not, then there is a big void concerning their transition game with the core they have. They have to also identify who will be the physical presence at center because the top three are finesse or smaller players like Doug Gilmour, Alexei Zhamnov and Josef Marha. Mark Janssens doesn't get enough ice time to figure in as an impact, physical presence. Jocelyn Thibeault showed down the stretch that he can compete regularly with the top goalies. The Blackhawks should make the playoffs with the roster they have. They have set team goals beyond that. For the 'Hawks to make some noise, they will be looking for a record similar to that of the Mighty Ducks last year (35-34-13,13 points ahead of the Hawks).

The Blackhawks posted the latter mark under coach Lorne Molleken, who replaced the fired Dirk Graham. Now the question is whether or not they can sustain that pace over an 82-game schedule.

Chicago made two key moves during the offseason to add depth to both the forward and defense positions. Veteran left wing Wendel Clark will help the power play, which was ranked No. 14 last season. And Chicago picked up Bryan McCabe to bolster the defense corps. Both additions will help, especially if Clark stays healthy.

Tony Amonte will once again lead the way offensively. The team's second line will be interesting to watch. It's increased production hinges on Doug Gilmour staying healthy and Eric Daze being able to play a more consistent game. Further down the depth chart, Chicago expects more out of youngsters Jean-Pierre Dumont and center Todd White. Dumont started coming on late last season, scoring five goals in his last five games after netting just four tallies in his first 20 contests.

Since the start of last season, Chicago has completely overhauled its defense. The Blackawks top four defensemen -- McCabe, Anders Eriksson, Boris Mironov and Dave Manson -- all began last season with different clubs. Od course, using these four as a nucleus is all contingent on Eriksson and Mironov ending their contract holdouts in time to start the season. If all is in place, Molleken hopes to improve upon its dismal showing of No. 24 overall in team defense last season.

The Hawks feel they are set between the pipes for years with 24-year-old Jocelyn Thibault, who finished last season going on an 8-1-1 tear. Thibault became the fifth netminder in NHL history last season to record career win No. 100 before the age of 25. He will play at least 60 games, which is good because his backup, Steve Passmore, has played in a grand total of six career NHL games.

In each of the last two seasons, the Blackhawks started the season terribly, costing them any chance at the playoffs. Lorne Molleken's group needs to start strong.

'98-99 CENTRAL STANDINGS
TEAM	W	L	T	Pts.
Detroit	43	32	7	93
St. Louis	37	32	13	87
Chicago	29	41	12	70
Nashville	28	47	7	63

The bottom line
Better or not: Better
How much: 4-5 more wins
Most improved: Alexei Zhamnov
Most valuable: Tony Amonte
Biggest disappointment: Eric Daze

Charles Avellino is a lead NHL researcher for ESPN.