How much did the Chicago Blackhawks miss Duncan Keith?
For an answer, look no further than the 4 points the Hawks earned in back to back games this weekend, winning in regulation Saturday night in St. Louis and last night on home ice.
Keith's return not only stabilizes the Hawks' top 4, but the pace of the team's game—and chances generated off transition—have increased dramatically.
It's not a perfect picture, but about the best the Hawks could hope for after a mediocre start to the season and going into the long Circus road trip.
Last night, as usual, the Blackhawks got a lot of production from their second line, but they also got some from Jonathan Toews AND Marian Hossa. All of the top four defense had a point a piece. The newly cobbled third line of Marcus Kruger, Andrew Shaw and Teuvo Teravainen was also very good both nights.
You'd like to see some better play from the Hawks' third defense pairing, but that is something that might improve as Michal Rozsival and Trevor Daley become more accustomed to each other.
The Blackhawks are now off until Wednesday when they face the Oilers in Edmonton. They face Calgary Friday and Vancouver Saturday. The trip continues in San Jose next Wednesday, Anaheim next Friday, and ends in LA the following night.
I'll have a preview Wednesday morning, and another blog before then.