NHL Power Rankings Week 7: Blue Jackets rising, Islanders at rock bottom

Once again, it appears everyone (myself included) underestimated the Chicago Blackhawks a bit. After a slow start, they have rebounded and are 8-1-1 in the month of November. Not only that, the Blackhawks power play is finally above average (14th in the NHL) and their penalty kill is steadily getting better (up to 69.5 percent but still worst in the league). Chicago is scoring 3.16 goals a game (fifth) and allowing 2.47 (12th). Marian Hossa is aging like a fine wine. So everything’s great, right?

Well, not so much. Sure, the Blackhawks have been winning lately. At the end of the day, this is what matters the most. But there’s a saying – winning ugly is a good sign a losing streak might start soon. Their score-adjusted possession numbers in November are a bit concerning. Chicago’s even strength CF percentage is at 48.16 percent entering Monday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Their SCF percentage isn’t much better at 48.52 percent.

Corey Crawford has been outstanding so far this season. That has been huge for the Blackhawks. If it wasn’t for Carey Price, Crawford would likely be the unanimous Vezina Trophy pick. This Thanksgiving, Blackhawks fans should be thankful for a team that is always competitive and for their core group of guys. The salary cap has claimed many victims, but Chicago isn’t going down without a fight.