Offense, defense work together to boost Hawks’ confidence

The Blackhawks head out on their six-game circus road trip more confident offensively than they’ve been all season.

And a big part of that is how the defensemen have been taking the opportunity to either join the rush, lead it or go to the net when the forwards have possession of the puck in the attack zone.

“It’s great for everyone’s confidence,” Jonathan Toews said. “It’s great for our team’s confidence to see different guys score. I don’t think it matters to anybody who scores goals on any given night as long as we find a way.

“If we’re getting that production from different guys it just goes to show that we can play a solid team game and we’ll get breaks and things will work for us if we keep working. Hawks defensemen have 6 goals in the last three games after contributing just 2 in the first 15.

“With so many new guys back there it seems like they’re really getting comfortable with each other and starting to click,” Daniel Carcillo said. “We’ve got forwards driving to the net, going to those hard areas, providing screens. Everyone’s just working together right now.”

Steve Montador has 3 of those 6 goals from the defense, including 2 on the power play from in front of the net.

“I think he’s played a little forward in his day,” Carcillo said. “He looks good out there, looks comfortable.”

Montador knows he’s not the second coming of Phil Esposito and is taking his success on the power play for what it is.

“Given certain chances, I just want to take advantage,” Montador said. “Lately, I’ve done that. You can call it what you want. I’m just happy to be contributing.”

The Eagle has landed:Hawks great Ed Belfour, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday, still holds six franchise records for goaltenders.Among the marks Belfour holds are: wins in a season (43); most seasons with 40 or more wins (two); undefeated streak (12 games); and games played in a season (74).Belfour won two Vezina Trophies with the Hawks, three Jennings Trophies and the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1991.Toews honored:Jonathan Toews was named the NHL#146;s third star of last week on Monday for getting 4 goals and 2 assists in four games.Boston#146;s Tyler Seguin was the first star and Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard the second star.Injury report:The Hawks could face Vancouver on Wednesday without two of their key players in defenseman Brent Seabrook and center Dave Bolland.Seabrook injured his left leg in Sunday#146;s win over Edmonton but made the road trip. Bolland has missed the last three games with a sore right foot.At the top:ESPN.com#146;s power rankings on Monday had the Hawks and their league-leading 25 points at No. 1, which was a rise of five spots from last week. The Hawks have won three games in a row.