The Blackhawks are currently the best team in the NHL, with 63 points based on their 30-10-3 record. Between their 20-4-1 home record and +50 goal differential rating (141 for, 90 against) being far ahead of the rest of the league, Chicago is also amidst a four-game winning streak, in which superstar offseason acquisition Marian Hossa has scored two goals in each of the last two games!
The Blackhawks are also first in the league in defense with a team goals-against average of just barely above 2, thanks in part to the better then expected play of goaltenders Cristobal Huet (2.08 GAA, 20-8 record, with 3 shutouts) and backup Antti Niemi (1.81 GAA, 10-2 record, with 4 shutouts), in addition to outstanding defensive and penalty-killing play.
In the meantime Patrick Kane, who just recently turned 21, is on fire himself. Kane leads the Hawks in all scoring categories with 49 points on 18 goals and 31 assists (tied with defenseman Duncan Keith), while also in the middle of a 9-game scoring streak.
Chicago has been putting up superior numbers and even though San Jose has been very hot as of late, they haven't been able to pass the Hawks, who have won 11 of their last 13. More impressive, nine of those 11 victories were by at least three goals!
To bolster the newly found success of the team, besides having Hossa locked up for 12 years, on December 3rd the Blackhawks agreed to terms with defenseman Duncan Keith on a 13-year contract extension, and with both Kane and captain Jonathan Toews on five-year contracts. This is a team that seems to be doing everything right these days.
The Hawks' biggest tests of the regular season are still ahead; a grueling 15-day, coast-to-coast, eight-game, road trip and Olympic break, which is a threat to slow their momentum, but this young team has consistently found ways to adapt to almost any situation and style of play; give credit to the incredible mix of youthful exuberance and just the right amount of talented vets. This is a talented team that is having fun tearing up the league right now, so get your tickets now and join in on all the excitement.
