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Last night, the Blackhawks, after a 7-6-1 start, went into Bridgestone Arena and wrested the Central Division lead away from Nashville with a 3-1 win.

In their last 6 games, they've beaten Colorado, Anaheim, L.A. and the Predators on the road, and Montreal and St. Louis at home. The Montreal game is the only one you could call close.

They lead the league, by a comfortable margin, in penalty killing, giving up only seven tallies through 27 games.

They have scoring balance, are 6th in goals scored and they are first in the league in goals allowed.

And they're doing it without one of their best forwards (Patrick Sharp), and for the last three games without their starting goaltender.

Are the Blackhawks the best team in the league this year?

Evidence is beginning to suggest just that.

Even better news for Chicago is their depth appears primed for a long playoff run. AHL players are coming in and not looking out of place.

Last night, goalie Scott Darling, an Illinois native who's bounced around the minors a bit, came in and looked every bit as good as his counterpart 190 feet away, one of the league's premier netminders, Pekka Rinne.

Swedish rookies Joakim Nordstrom and Klas Dahlbeck (first NHL game last night) are getting the job done.

Last night, and really for the last couple of contests, the top line of Brandon Saad, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa was dominant. Saad, especially, ripped it up last night with a couple of spectacular plays, using his speed and power to both score and set up. And when it hasn't been that line, it's been Patrick Kane, Kris Versteeg and Brad Richards just toying with opponents. And the other two lines have been very good in their roles.

Not only does this team boast the reigning and two-time Norris Trophy winner in Duncan Keith, but it would not be surprising if his partner, Brent Seabrook, got some consideration this season.

Sure, the Hawks will come back to earth. But this stretch of hockey has been outstanding. And their depth appears to assure more of it.

So I'll ask the question to you, especially fans of other teams: is this the best team in hockey this year?


All for now,


JJ

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