Thirty wins in forty-three games is impressive. The Blackhawks have won eleven of their last thirteen games, and have extended their lead over the second place team in the Central Division, the Nashville Predators, to ten points. So many good things are happening for the Blackhawks right now. The power play unit – that had been so bad – has scored with the man-advantage in the last eight games. The current streak has improved the ‘Hawks power-play percentage to 20.8 – sixth overall in the league.
Another positive of late has been the play of the fourth line. Their playing time hasn’t increased all that much, but the combination of Ben Eager, Colin Fraser and Tomas Kopecky are no longer invisible on the ice. It pains me to write this, but with the elevated play of Kopecky the line has been more productive.
Marian Hossa scored another two goals last night, and Patrick Kane added another to his team-leading total – now at eighteen goals. Hossa is the seventh Blackhawk to reach double-digits. John Madden is just one away after scoring his ninth goal in the first period. Brian Campbell continues he resurrection as the seven-million-dollar-man last night with his play in the offensive zone, and adding two helpers.
Cristobal Huet’s performance in the first period illustrated a few of the reasons why I’m not a fan. He was out of position, slow, lacked puck control, and the defense had to bail him out to keep the Wild off the scoreboard. Brent Seabrook put himself in front of a sure Andrew Brunette goal, and Duncan Keith back-checked to thwart a good scoring chance by the Wild on a short handed rush. In both cases, Huet was scrambling across the crease to get back in position. Once the Blackhawks defense settled down late in the first period, so did Huet, and that has been the story on him for the majority of the season.
Next up, the Blackhawks will travel to Boston for another Original Six match-up Thursday night.
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