Numbers tell the story of Blackhawks' blistering startAs the 2012-13 season hits the quarter mark, two numbers jump off the page when you look at the Chicago Blackhawks.
One is 12, for the number of games they've played.
The other is 10, for the number of wins they have.
The Blackhawks' 10-0-2 start to the season is remarkable on a number of levels, one of which is that it puts them four games away from tying the NHL record for the longest streak without a regulation loss to start a season -- 16 games, held by the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks, who started 12-0-4.
The Ducks finished that season by hoisting the Stanley Cup; what does the future hold for these Blackhawks?
That's a question that won't be answered until the springtime. For now, let's go inside the numbers on the Blackhawks' blistering start:
1.62 -- Goals-against average for Corey Crawford this season, third-lowest in the League. Crawford has won 30 games each of his two seasons as a starter, but last season his GAA went from 2.30 to 2.72, while his save percentage dropped from .917 to .903. And in two seasons as the starter, the Hawks have been knocked out in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Crawford still has one more year left on his contract, but entering the season his performance was considered a key to the Blackhawks' success. So far, so good, as he he's started the season 7-0-2 with a .935 save percentage and 15 goals allowed in nine games.
2 -- The number of games the Blackhawks have played at home this season, the fewest in the League. One reason for that is the season started right around the time Disney on Ice took over the United Center, forcing the Hawks on the road. The long road trip certainly didn't bother them, and their 8-0-2 record on the road is a far cry from their 18-18-5 mark away from home last season.
7 -- The number of games in the season-long homestand the Blackhawks start Tuesday when the Anaheim Ducks, No. 2 in the Western Conference, visit. Considering the Hawks tied for the League lead with 27 home wins last season, they have a chance to really put distance between themselves and the rest of the conference.
12 -- Points for Marian Hossa through 12 games. The veteran forward is back to averaging a point per game for the first time since the 2006-07 season, and that could be one of the hidden benefits of the lockout. The extra time off seems to have benefitted Hossa, who used the extra rest to fully recover from the concussion he sustained in the 2012 playoffs.
17 -- Games it took the Blackhawks to get their 10th win last season, when they started the season 10-4-3.
19 -- Points for Patrick Kane, in just 12 games. In 2009-10 Kane set career-bests with 30 goals, 58 assists and 88 points, but his numbers in all three categories went down each of the following two seasons. Prior to the start of this season, Kane told NHL.com, "I feel like I have something to prove." He's proven he's still an elite offensive player in the first quarter of this season, with seven multi-point games -- nearly half the 15 he had in 82 games last season.
23 -- Total players the Hawks have used this season, the third-fewest in the League. In a shortened season, health is paramount, and the Hawks have been lucky in that regard. Defenseman Steve Montador is out recovering from a concussion and forward Daniel Carcillo hasn't played since opening night due to a knee injury. The rest of the team has been healthy.
31 -- Even-strength goals, the most in the League. The Hawks' power play has been about the only element that hasn't started hot, entering Tuesday's games 16th at 18.4 percent. With the offensive firepower the Hawks feature, it likely won't be long before the Hawks start taking better advantage of the man-advantage. When that kicks in, along with their proficiency at even strength, it could make for some ugly nights for opposing goaltenders.
41 -- Total goals scored by the Hawks, second in the League entering the week. They've done a nice job spreading around the offense, as well. They have three players with at least five goals and four with at least 10 points -- both second in the League -- and 14 with at least one goal. Besides Kane's nine goals, which are tied for third in the League, Hossa and Jonathan Toews have six each. Kane (19 points), Toews (12), Hossa (12) and Patrick Sharp (11) all have at least 10 points.
92.9 -- Chicago's success rate killing penalties, tied with the Boston Bruins for the top mark in the League. The Hawks have been shorthanded just 42 times (eighth in League), but have allowed just three power-play goals all season. With Crawford in net, the Hawks have killed 31 of 32 opposing power plays.
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