NHL: Chicago Blackhawks' Third Line Could Be League's Best Checking Unit

The Chicago Blackhawks got a pair of goals from its checking line during their 5-2 win in Phoenix Tuesday night.

Is this the best third line in the game?

One thing is for sure. They're in the picture following a red hot start to the season.

The third line of Bolland, Bickell and Michael Frolik have notched points in four of Chicago's five games, including four points in Chicago's desert victory. Third period tallies by Dave Bolland and Bryan Bickell slammed the door on the Coyotes as the Blackhawks moved to 3-1-1 on the season.

Bickell showcased his wicked wrist shot midway through the third, adding to a short-handed goal by Bolland earlier in the same period.

Following the latest Chicago win, the third line is a combined plus-seven on the young season.

Led by Bolland, who is a plus-four so far to go along with four goals, the trio have been active in all three zones.

They first showed a flash of what we've seen this season when Bolland returned for Game 4 of Chicago's first-round series with Vancouver in last season's playoffs. The third line was a huge factor in helping the Blackhawks push the Canucks to seven games.

The prospect of a full season from the trio had most Blackhawks fans penciling in that checking line all summer, even as GM Stan Bowman collected other forwards for the current campaign. Bowman must have seen the potential as well, getting Frolik to sign a three-year contract.

Bolland's health status is a big X-factor for this line, as has been the case with the center in recent seasons. Bickell is coming off wrist surgery after being slashed with a skate in the Vancouver series, but he is showing no ill effects thus far.

In his second full season with Chicago, Bickell is playing the game that saw him score 17 goals a year ago. He is also getting power play time, getting in front of the net and using his 6'3", 233-pound frame to his advantage.

Frolik has failed to score so far but has set Bickell up for several prime scoring opportunities. He may or may not approach the 20-goal mark he has twice attained in his career, but he seems to have found a home on Bolland's line.

Five games is a little early to be handing out too many accolades. However, if Bolland, Bickell and Frolik can hit the ice together in the majority of Chicago's games, the Blackhawks have a weapon few clubs can match.

Namely, a line that can shut down the opposition's top offensive unit and pose a threat at the other end as well.

This is the kind of line elite teams carry into battle night in and night out. Provided the trio remain in good health, Chicago's checking unit could be a real difference-maker in the Western Conference.