Same Roster, New Look For The Blackhawks
By Rob Winn in News on Jan 29, 2013 6:45PM
The Blackhawks are off to a blistering start to 2013 and it couldn't have come at a better time than just before a six game road trip. The key to the hot streak hasn't just been the same old "stars playing like stars" cliche. They've shown a renewed commitment to special teams while younger players like Nick Leddy have matured and become major contributors.
The Blackhawks obviously heard the criticism that came with their second straight first round playoff loss. They are in the top ten in the league with a 25.9 percent success rate on the power play while ranking second with a 95.7 penalty killing percentage. Not only are they scoring on a high percentage of power plays, they're also getting contributions from more than just their first unit. So far, seven players have power-play goals, including defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Their penalty kill is riding high after a dominant performance against the Red Wings Sunday. They have killed 22 of 23 chances in the first six games. That confidence will come in handy when they're on the road and face several tough kills against teams like the San Jose Sharks, who lead the league with 12 power play goals.
It would be easy to overlook the reinvigorated play of Niklas Hjalmarsson. At times he struggled last year, especially in the playoffs. This season he is already sitting at plus-six in the plus/minus category, and Hjalmarsson looks to be settling in with Johnny Oduya after losing long-time partner Brian Campbell before last season. Nick Leddy obviously benefited from the time he spent playing in the AHL during the NHL lockout. He has been stronger and more confident with the puck and his ice time has increased as a result, taking some of the load off the usual stalwarts of Keith and Seabrook.
With a long six-game road trip starting Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild, the Hawks will benefit mightily from their hot start. Even a .500 road trip will leave them in good shape when they return to the United Center. So far the Blackhawks have raced out of the gate, but with road games coming up against the Sharks and Canucks we'll soon know how they respond in tough environments.
Stats provided by Hockey-Reference.com