The Eastern Conference seems easier at the moment than the Western Conference, which gives the Chicago Blackhawks, who have taken a nice step forward, some hope early in the season.
Chicago is only one of six teams in the West that have scored more goals than goals allowed, and they aren't even holding a playoff spot at the moment. The Blackhawks are +4 on the season with 44 goals scored and 40 against. While the number of goals scored isn't excellent, it's solid given they are in the middle of the pack at 15th with a 3.14 goals per game.
On the other end, the Blackhawks have been better defensively and in net with the help of Spencer Knight. The team has 40 goals against and ranks ninth in the league in goals against per game with 2.79.
The other five teams in the West with a positive goal differential include the Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, Utah Mammoth, Anaheim Ducks, and Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas has Chicago by a hair (+1) too.
The Blackhawks' power play is clicking at a decent rate of 19.5% and the penalty kill is much-improved, up to 81.5%. These are factors in why the team is where they are and hasn't sunk to the bottom of the standings where they have been for the last number of years.
The biggest factors have been Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Knight, newcomer Andre Burakovsky, Tyler Bertuzzi, and minute-eater Alex Vlasic. It remains to be seen whether the Blackhawks are ready to stay in the playoff race until the end or will fall off, but it has been entertaining to this point.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.