Blackhawks bits at the break
Veteran hockey writer Tim Sassone takes a closer look at the trends and numbers compiled by the Blackhawks this season as they begin a nine-game road trip:
Not so gritty: They’ve been outhit in 44 of 50 games.
Star crossed: Patrick Kane has only 11 goals, 4 less than Dave Bolland and 3 fewer than Viktor Stalberg.
Drop the gloves: They’ve fought 22 times, led by Jamal Mayers’ 8 and Daniel Carcillo’s 5.
Between the pipes: Corey Crawford has started 35 games and Ray Emery 15.
Seen enough: Crawford has been pulled three times, Emery once.
Power shortage: They are 4-for-11 with a 5-on-3 power play.
Heady play: Patrick Sharp and Stalberg have the only hat tricks.
Penalty shots: There have been only two so far, and Jonathan Toews scored and Jimmy Hayes missed.
Working OT: Hawks have 3 wins and 2 losses in overtime.
Shootouts: They are 4-3 in shootouts.
Record in 1-goal games: 12-5-6
Record when scoring first: 17-3-2
Record when opponent scores first: 12-12-4
Record when leading after two periods: 21-0-2
Record when trailing after two periods: 4-15-2
Central Division record: 7-3-2
Home record after circus road trip: 12-5-2
Injury toll: Hawks have lost 52 man games to injuries.
Biggest surprise: Stalberg’s 14 goals and 29 points.
Biggest disappointment: Bryan Bickell minus-7 with 4 goals and 5 assists.
— Tim Sassone