Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Definites as They Pack for the Circus Trip

The Chicago Blackhawks are on top of the NHL right now.  Time to take the show on the road.

After winning their third straight game, a 6-3 victory over the visiting Edmonton Oilers, the Blackhawks are the owners of the best record in the league. Chicago has 25 points in it's first 18 games and now embark on a six-game road trip while the circus puts down stakes in the United Center.

There are several unknowns looming out West for the 'Hawks, but here are some things we know for certain as the players pack their bags.

1. The 'Hawks Made the Most of Their Schedule

Chicago took advantage of a forgiving schedule over the first six weeks.

With a lot of winnable games and lots of time between those games, the 'Hawks needed to get off to the fast start that eluded them a season ago. There were bumps in the road; back to back losses to Vancouver and St. Louis along with a listless performance in Carolina come to mind.

However, Chicago picked up points in all but four of their first 18 contests, kept battling opponents in the latter stages of games and have a six-point lead in the Central Division over Detroit and Nashville. It's hard to expect much better than that.

2. Patick Kane and Marian Hossa Are Serving Notice

Both Kane and Hossa had something to prove before the season started. Kane was moving to center and Hossa was looking to come back strong after several lengthy playoff runs.

Kane and Hossa are one and two in points for the 'Hawks. They are also among the league's leaders in scoring. Both players seem headed for huge seasons.

Kane's position switch has filled a long-standing need at center and is striking fear in opposing coaches.

Hossa is dominating play in both zones and is not to be denied with the puck.

If the two can sustain their point a game pace, expect good things on the circus trip.

3. The Defensive Depth Will Be Tested

The 'Hawks seemed to struggle in the three games missed by Duncan Keith. Brent Seabrook could miss at least that many and maybe more.

Seabrook went awkwardly into the boards behind the net in the second period of Chicago's victory over the Oilers and came up favoring his left leg. He went to the locker room and did not return. We should know more later today if the injury is serious enough to keep Seabrook from traveling.

No matter how much time, if any, will be missed by Seabrook, Chicago will have to get steady play from their defensemen. The blue line has factored in offensively in the last few games. They will also need to show the depth provided by Sean O'Donnell and Sami Lepisto, both of whom should see time on the road trip.

4. The 'Hawks Made the Right Decisions in Goal

The 'Hawks had a choice to make out of camp. Sign veteran Ray Emery or go with Alexander Salak.

So far, Chicago made the right choice in going with experience.

Emery's play has been outstanding, especially in Friday's performance against the Flames. He saved 24 of 25 shots and staved off an early Calgary barrage on net. Emery is 3-0-1 on the season.

There has been virtually no drop off in net between Emery and Corey Crawford. Both are sporting nearly identical goals-against averages (2.70 for Crawford and 2.72 for Emery). Both have .905 save percentages.

Salak took awhile to adjust to being sent to Rockford. His wife gave birth, leaving him unavailable for several games. He's 1-5 with the Ice Hogs with a 3.25 GAA. He hasn't been as bad as his record, but right now the right player is up with the 'Hawks.

With two back-to-backs on the circus trip in addition to Joel Quenneville's growing confidence in his back up, expect to see Emery in net at least once out West.

5. The Chemistry Seems Better This Season

The role players are fitting in, on and off the ice.

Daniel Carcillo and Jamal Mayers have more than brought the advertised grit to the 'Hawks. Coming into the road trip, Steve Montador is starting to find his groove, scoring two goals Sunday as well as saving one in the opening minutes by kicking a puck unseen by Crawford out of the crease.

Kane gave up an empty netter in the final minutes of the Edmonton game, choosing to give the freebie to Carcillo, who has found success with the second line. Winning hockey and a looser locker room seem to be going hand in hand.

Let's hope that chemistry continues to develop as the 'Hawks take to the road these next two weeks.