Record-wise, the Blackhawks are currently the second best team in the NHL, with 74 points based on their 35-13-4 record. Additionally, Chicago’s 21-5-1 home record is currently tops in the league, while their +50 goal differential rating (170 for, 120 against) finds them third, and their 33.4 shots per game has them 2nd in the NHL.

The Blackhawks are also second in the league in defense with a team goals-against average of just 2.23, thanks in part to the better then expected play of goaltenders Cristobal Huet (2.26 GAA – 8th in NHL, 22-9 record, 4 shutouts) and backup Antti Niemi (1.99 GAA – 1st in NHL, 13-4 record, 4 shutouts), in addition to outstanding defensive and penalty-killing play.

In the meantime Patrick Kane, just barely 21 years old, has been on fire himself. Kane leads the Hawks in all scoring categories with 57 points on 21 goals and 36 assists, which also ranks him 7th, 15th, and 11th respectively in the NHL. In addition to Kane, defenseman Duncan Keith (46 points, 35 assists), center and captain Jonathan Toews (42 points, 17 goals), and center Patrick Sharp (40 points, 16 goals) have provided a wide range of scoring options, while the late start of Marian Hossa in November (due to shoulder surgery) brought a very welcome scoring addition as well, as the right-winger has contributed 13 goals and 13 assists in only 29 games since his return.

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 most everything right these days.

Threatening to slow Chicago’s momentum, the team is currently five games into a grueling 15-day, eight-game road trip (3-2 record), with the Olympic break not too far behind. With credit given to the incredible mix of youthful exuberance and just the right amount of talented vets, this is a young team that has consistently found ways to adapt to almost any situation and style of play. This talented Chicago Blackhawks team is having fun as one of the league’s elite, so get your tickets now and join in on the excitement.