Hawks' special teams getting it done

If special teams separate the good teams from the weak in the NHL, consider the Blackhawks on the right track.

The Hawks' power play is becoming more and more dangerous with Patrick Kane, Robert Lang, Jonathan Toews and Jason Williams leading the way. It's ranked seventh in the league after scoring twice in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Detroit.

"We've been taking pride in our special teams, and it seems to be paying off," Kane said. "Our power play is getting better every day, and the penalty-kill continues to do its job."

The penalty-killing has risen to 17th in the NHL, but the Hawks are ranked No. 1 on the road with a success rate of 96.2 percent.

The Red Wings, with one of the most dangerous power plays in the league, were 0-for-5 in Sunday's loss.

"Detroit is a tough team to kill against, but our penalty-killing was outstanding," coach Denis Savard said.

Seeing is believing: Patrick Kane's numbers continue to amaze. The 18-year-old rookie winger leads the Hawks in scoring with 21 points in 17 games.

Kane and rookie Jonathan Toews each have 7 goals, with Toews owning 14 points in 15 games.

"Their kids are very good with the puck," Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said.

"We've been talking about them all season, and they continue to be great," Hawks center Robert Lang said. "But we have a balanced team here and everybody is contributing."

With 6 goals and 11 assists, Lang is appearing to be a huge free-agent signing by general manager Dale Tallon.

Tip-ins: Assistant coaches Mark Hardy and John Torchetti will run practice today with Denis Savard out of town attending the funeral of his father-in-law. Savard rejoins the team Wednesday in Columbus. … Monday was a day off for the team. … Centers Robert Lang, Jonathan Toews and Yanic Perreault combined to win 18 of 27 faceoffs Sunday. … After Saturday's game at Joe Louis Arena, the Hawks and the Red Wings won't do battle again until Jan. 6 at the United Center -- another home telecast.