Power play surging as Hawks top Hurricanes 6-4

What, exactly, is going on with the Blackhawks' power play?

Instead of the eyesore it seems to be nearly every season, this group is doing some eye-opening things with two units that are resilient, tenacious, hard working and relentless.

The Hawks scored a power-play goal in the first seven games, the longest streak to open a campaign since 1990-91.

When Nashville ended the run in Game 8, many figured the PP would come down to earth.

Instead, it scored in two of the next three contests ... and then went absolutely nuclear against Carolina on Thursday, scoring 3 goals in - get this - the FIRST PERIOD ALONE en route to a 6-4 victory at the United Center.

"Not surprised. Pleased," coach Jeremy Colliton said after the Hawks improved to 4-4-4. "We believe that we have the skill and some different options we can run. Their execution is the reason why it's working and (their) ability to keep plays alive (and) get pucks back." Mattias Janmark, Dominik Kubalik and Andrew Shaw scored on the man advantage to give the Hawks a 3-1 lead after one period. Carolina battled back, getting 2 goals in eight seconds in the second period, but the Hawks prevailed on Alex DeBrincat's game-winner with 7:38 remaining.

DeBrincat added an empty netter with 12 seconds left, and Patrick Kane also scored a highlight-reel goal in the third period that put the Hawks up 4-3.

It was an impressive victory over a 6-2-0 Carolina squad that believes it can make a deep run come playoff time.

"These guys play so hard, it's really great," said Kane, who added 3 assists. "Jeremy's setting a culture here where he wants the hard work and he wants guys skating hard and guys winning battles. A lot of these guys do that so well. That's something I can get better at, too. ...

"It's been a fun group. We've been pretty much in every game and battling, hanging around, whether it's good goaltending or timely scoring or trying to figure out our game.

"Now it's like, 'OK, we're in these games. Now let's figure out how to win them.'"

The Hawks' power play is 14-for-37 overall, a 37.8% conversion rate that ranks fourth behind only Toronto (43.3), Dallas (40), Florida (39.1).

So why is it so good?

"Movement in general," Kane said last week. "Just the freedom to pretty much go wherever you want from the coaching staff is refreshing. Be able to play like it's 5-on-5 instead of being in set spots.

"Obviously you want to be in the right spot, but the top power plays move around."

They also recover pucks after missed shots or clearing attempts, something the Hawks rarely did the last few years.

"Killer instinct," Colliton said. "Make one clean play, two clean plays and then you get a real good look. We're doing a good job with that."

This was the first time the Hawks had 3 power-play goals in the first period since Dec. 29, 2015.

Kubalik now has 3 goals and 8 assists, while DeBrincat has 4 goals in eight games. Kane leads the team with 15 points (6 goals).

Up next for the Hawks are two games at Dallas (5-2-1) on Sunday and Tuesday.