We can point to generally mediocre (or in the case of Dallas last night, depleted) competition. But the Blackhawks 8-3-1 record, and 5-game winning streak, is difficult to underestimate.
The team is playing well and improving (pretty much) across the board.
Here are 5 thoughts on why this is happening and what it means.
1. Banking points, buying time.
Playing well in November is no guarantee of a long run in May and June. However, some may leap to that assumption at this point. Facts, history, bounces of the puck, injuries often tell a different story. Regardless, these wins are providing Chicago insurance against tougher stretches of the schedule and all the aforementioned possibilities. Further, they are buying the team time to continue giving a lot of rookies on the job training.
Ryan Hartman scored and overall had a strong game last night, while he and Tyler Motte seem to be forming a pretty strong third line, flanking Marcus Kruger.
But perhaps more remarkable is the Hawks have given up 2 goals in the last two games with two NHL rookies getting fairly significant minutes on their blueline (Michal Kempny and Gustav Forsling).
It’s not always perfect or pretty, but if you can rack up points while these guys learn in these situations, it is a huge bonus.
2. The top 6 is working out
A long summer of rest seems to have rejuvenated Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews—Richard Panik is giving the Hawks enough on the left wing. At this point, most of the top 6 offense seems to be centered on Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov, but overall, no matter the composition, Joel Quenneville is getting consistent production from the top two lines—enough to win night after night.
3. Shades of 2015
To my eye, this team is still not equal to the team that won the Cup two seasons ago. That said, there are a couple of encouraging signs. Last night, and in a couple of other recent games, the Hawks have maintained extended offensive zone time—enabling line changes while the puck is buried in the opponents’ end and getting goals.
Some maintain the Hawks are at their best getting goals in transition—and hey, a goal’s a goal—but when the Hawks can pin opponents’ in their end for extended periods, and score when they do, it is devastating to the other team.
Another huge positive that reflects “Blackhawks hockey… is a penalty kill that while still mired in the NHL basement statistically, at 65% is improving rapidly.
4. 22, 16, 70
It might not seem like much, but Jordin Tootoo is a much better hockey player than Brandon Mashinter. And along with Marcus Kruger and Dennis Rasmussen is providing the veteran glue that is helping the Hartmans, Mottes and Nick Schmaltzes learn the NHL game and not hurt the team—and even be productive.
Hartman’s goal last night, assisted by Motte, was great. However, it was Kruger sacrificing himself in front of the net who played a key role in generating that score.
5. Crawford is the man
The Hawks continue to be upside down in shots for/against. In some recent games, opponents’ blocked shot totals suggested that Hawks just weren’t getting enough shots through. Yet, last night, the Hawks were down 32-31 in total shots on net, but also blocked more shots than the Stars did. The fact is, these totals suggest Chicago still needs to tighten up its defense overall—while wins keep coming. There was a point last night where it looked like the Stars would overwhelm the Hawks, especially late in the first period. But Corey Crawford, as he has all year thus far, kept the Hawks in the game.
That’s what I have this morning. The Stars visit the UC tonight. More thoughts tomorrow.
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