Hawks still trying to work out the kinks

Despite capturing 5 out of a possible 8 points in their first four games, it's clear the Blackhawks are still a work in progress.

Defenseman Duncan Keith admitted the team is searching for answers in some areas, especially when it comes to the forwards trying to get in sync with new linemates.

"It's only four games and it takes awhile," Keith said. "I've talked to some of the forwards and they'll tell you that when you haven't played with a guy, sometimes it takes a while to get used to them and find chemistry. Some guys are playing with different linemates than last year and things like that."

So far in the early going coach Joel Quenneville has split up Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and taken Andrew Ladd away from Dave Bolland to skate with newcomer John Madden and Troy Brouwer.

"The lines, basically after the second period of the first game, have been kind of together," Quenneville said. "We like the combos, we like the potential of every line being able to score and every line being able to sustain the pressure in the game.

"Hopefully we get some stability in our group here and go from there."

Last season the line of Bolland, Ladd and Martin Havlat was the Hawks' most consistent at both ends of the rink.

"I think if we were to say we're at our peak right now four games in, that wouldn't be what we really want anyway," Keith said. "I think we're playing OK, but we know there are things we need to improve on."

The Hawks played a scattered game Saturday against Colorado and were fortunate to come away with a 4-3 win, surviving a nine-round shootout.

"I think we as a group would have liked to have a better effort, but we'll take the 2 points," Ladd said.

On the positive side, Madden is adapting to a system different from the one he played in for years in New Jersey where he has more freedom on the offensive side of the puck.

"I think he's excited about the chance to try and score goals and make plays offensively," Quenneville said. "That line hasn't been productive yet, but I can see that line scoring for us regularly."

One area where there is no concern is on the back end, where Hawks defensemen have figured in the scoring on 11 of the 12 goals the team has scored.

Cam Barker, Brian Campbell and Keith all have goals with the defensemen accounting for 8 assists, led by Brent Seabrook's 4.

"We have a very mobile, active defense that sees plays and has good point shots and shoot it well," Quenneville said. "Their involvement off the rush or off cycles is as good as any team in the league. They're a big part of our offense. They've been effective to me at both ends."

The Hawks continue to lead the NHL in shots on goal, getting 26 more against the Avalanche.

"It all comes off puck possession and having the puck," Keith said.