#3: Ray Emery

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Emery gets the Third Star honors after a 16-save effort for the Blackhawk’s third shutout of the year, and his first for Chicago. 16 shots is a low number for a goaltender to face, so he can thank his defensemen for that, but when the pucks got to the net, he was turning them away with relative ease. Putting a goose-egg for his NHL record 12th straight win to start the season was a big one for him, as it has been over 3 years since the last time he did that. Emery looked especially solid in the last moments of the game, where Calgary came at him with what seemed like more offense than they showed all night. He was smart with his placement, and was on top of his game, and that’s why he got the whitewash, and the Third Star.

#2: Patrick Kane

. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

‘Kaner’ takes his second consecutive Three Stars nod thanks to a 2-point effort against the Flames, which brings his total for the week to 3, (goal against L.A.) What really was impressive about Kane’s play this week is his patience. More than once he rounded the net when he had no option in the offensive zone, and passed it off to the D where they generated a quality scoring chance. Kane’s forecheck was stellar in both games, and he beat opponents to the puck more than any other Hawk has this season. Add a couple of great passes and a goal, and you have your second star of the week.

#1: Brent Seabrook

Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brent Seabrook is a star shining bright lately, even though the Hawks haven’t been picking up the wins as easily as they were earlier in the season. Seabrook was an impressive +3 in Monday’s loss to the Kings, and if it were not for the sub-par play of the 2nd pairing, they would have gone away from that game with a W. Him (along with Duncan Keith) He scored an all-important insurance goal in the Calgary game, and that shows that he is becoming just as much of an offensive weapon as the forwards. When the forecheckers set up in the offensive zone, fans want Seabrook to get the puck, as he will take a shot and generate a good scoring chance off the rebound, or the shot itself. That presence in the offensive zone, paired with his shutdown defensive play, and great leadership, show you why Seabrook earns this week’s First Star.

Honorable Mentions: 

Duncan Keith: Seabrook’s right-hand man is playing just as solid as #7.

Michael Frolik: Could have been easily exchanged with Kane for 2nd Star. Great play from the bottom 6 forward.

The Hawks enjoy one more day of rest before they welcome the Ducks to the United Center for the last game of the season series. The Blackhawks have yet to beat them this year, and this matchup will be a four-point game. Puck drops at 7:30 CT on CSN.

LETS GO HAWKS!

Who were your Three Stars? Let us know on Twitter: @Blackhawk_Up, or Facebook: Blackhawk Up.

#3: Brent Seabrook

Mar 16, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) takes down Dallas Stars left wing Antoine Roussel (60) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Brent Seabrook is always a solid contributor for the Chicago Blackhawks. He wears an ‘A,’ and his leadership and defensive play have always been on-point. He is a guy that the team needs to play his best every game, and he has done so for the better part of 3 years now. What he has done different this week is add great offensive production along with his airtight defense. When he is on the blue-line in the offensive zone, he is always a pass option for the Hawks forwards. He can sneak in down low, and find open ice when the rest of the play is on the other side of the rink. Brent is starting to shine in the spotlight a little more, with great assists, huge hits, and even a fight (both of which were on Dallas Stars winger Antoine Roussel) He has a cannon of a shot, which he is utilizing more this year than ever, and it shows, as he has 3 points in the last 2 games, 2 of which came Monday night, in a game where he only played 14 minutes, a season low. Thanks to the other pairings on defense, we don’t have to rely on Seabrook and Keith to get it done defensively, but it is great to see a veteran player stepping up and really contributing, and that is why he earns this week’s Third Star.

#2: Jonathan Toews.

Mar 16, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) scores his second goal of the night against Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Toews is still sitting in the shadow of the Hawks #88, but he is contributing more and more every day. He capped off an impressive week with an unnasissted beauty on the penalty kill, and that brought his totals to 7 points (4G, 3A) in 3 games. His defensive play is also earning Selke Trophy chatter, and with the way he is playing now it would be well-deserved. He is impressive at all places on the ice, with offensive zone takeaways, great backchecking, and unreal speed through the neutral zone. His leadership has been exceptionally good lately, as the team has recovered from their two-straight losses and went 3-1 after that. He was an integral part of the Blackhawks’ performance against the Stars, where they dominated offensively. Toews’ special team play has also greatly improved from last year, as he is winning defensive zone faceoffs on the PK, or setting up well in the offensive zone on the powerplay. Toews is playing like a captain of a 24-3-3 team should be. He would be an easy #1 on any other team in the league, but Jonathan Toews isn’t the only superstar on the team…

#1: Patrick Kane

Mar 18, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates with the puck during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Blackhawks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

…That other superstar is Patrick Kane. As impressive as the Captain’s play is, Kane’s is just as good, if not better. Be on the lookout for a 3 Stars of The Week mention from the NHL, because Kaner has been on fire. Since the last Blackhawk Up 3 Stars were handed out, (4 games) he has gathered 8 points, 6 of which are assists. This shows that Kane can dish the puck just as well as he can shoot it, (which is really good if you’ve never noticed.) He topped off his week with an amazing, Highlight Of The Night (on TSN) spinneramma backhand shot that went top cheese on Richard Bachman from the Dallas Stars. That shot should no doubt be a play of the year, but it might not thanks to the umpteen other great dangles, snipes, and passes he has made this year. One thing he has done since the start of the year is play good fundamental hockey in the offensive zone. He looks for a play, and if there is no pass, he does not force one, then he dangles through a defender or three and finally sends the puck to an open teammate. No defense has been able to completely shut this kid down. He is on a 5-game point streak, (11) and he is now fifth in league scoring. Well earned, St. Patrick, well earned.

Honorable Mentions:

Duncan Keith: Brent Seabrook would not get a star if it wasn’t for the help of the other man in his pairing, a Norris Candidate even. Great play in both ends of the ice.

Nick Leddy: Capped off a solid week on Wednesday with a goal on his 22nd birthday.

The Blackhawks return home for 4 days of rest before they challenge the L.A. Kings in the final meeting between these two this season. You can catch the game at 7PM CT on CSN.

Let’s Go Hawks!!

Who were your Three Stars? Give us a shout on Twitter: (Blackhawk_Up) or Facebook: Blackhawk Up.

#3: Dave Bolland

Mar 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland (36) with the puck during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center. Edmonton won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

“The Rat” makes his first Three Star appearance of the year, thanks to a 2-point game last night, as well as some solid two-way play, despite the Blackhawks losing 2 out of 3 games this week. Bolland has been playing better hockey as of late, especially in the last 2 games, where he really stepped up and was noticed due to the absence of Patrick Sharp. Bolland has been more aggresive on the puck, and it is starting to pay off, as the Blackhawks get set up in the zone and there are lots of opportunities for a goal. If Bolland goes back to the player he was in the 2010 playoffs, (particuarily the San Jose series) he can be yet another reason why the ‘Hawks are cup contenders. Blackhawks fans hope that there is more to come from Bolland, as Sharp is expected to miss quite some time due to injury.

#2: Patrick Kane

Mar 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates scoring a goal during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Blackhawks’ top gun has done it again. Despite going 1-2, Kane still delivered, with goals, assists, and smart plays. He was a key part in the Blackhawks’ near-comeback on Sunday, scoring 2 goals and adding an assist for a 3-point night. Against Colorado on Friday, he went -2, but his effort was still remarkable. When his line didn’t make a safe play, (could be due to the transition of Bryan Bickell) he was always giving it 100% on the backcheck. Kane needs to join the Blackhawks in an offensive display of power on Thursday, and he looks ready to do it judging by his performance last night.

#1: Jonathan Toews

March 8 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) warms up before the start of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Toews continues to show us why he is among the league’s best players. He always sticks to the fundamentals, even when others don’t; stops and starts, not losing the puck in between the blue lines, patience in the offensive zone, (especially on the power play) and so on. When you stick to this game plan, you will win games. Unfortunately, the team as a whole could not do this, but some individuals could, and Tazer was one of them. He is marvelous on the rush; if you notice, when he has the primary assist, it is usually a defenceman with the secondary if there is one. This shows you that he not only has good vision, but speed, hands, and puck control. Another reason Toews gets the #2 spot is because of his leadership. We all know that he is the best captain in the league, because he is able to get the team going in the right direction. After a brutal first period last night, the Hawks calmed down, and almost clawed their way back into the game. I’m sure Toews was on his teammates during that intermission, and they came out a different club in the second. In three games, Toews had 3 points and was a +1 despite the losses.

Honorable Mentions:

Bryan Bickell: Another solid week, great to see his play continue.

Brent Seabrook: Really stepping his offensive game up, tighten the screws defensively and he could be a MVP in the coming weeks.

The Blackhawks enjoy a 3-day break, before they head to Columbus on Thursday night. Puck drop is at 6 PM Central time.

Here’s to a solid second half! LETS GO HAWKS!!

#3: Patrick Kane

Mar 5, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) reacts to scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 5-3. The Blackhawks set an NHL record for scoring at least one point in 23 consecutive games to open a season. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Kane is like a hide-and-go-seek player; Every game, you might not see him, but you will eventually. Chicago’s Captain Clutch was the only player that put the puck in the net on Sunday in Detroit, with 2 minutes left in the third, to tie it at 1, and the only marker in the shootout, as the Hawks ran away with 2 points. Although he has dropped from 1st in the scoring race to 7th, his game shows more maturity, and he knows when he can put on the afterburners and make the highlight reel, and when it is too risky. In the last 5 games, he has 4 points, and a shootout winner. His fit on the 2nd line with Dave Bolland and Patrick Sharp is like a glove, and the ‘Hawks leading scorer continues to show us a game that we’ve never seen before.

#2: Brandon Saad

March 3, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates his goal with left wing Brandon Saad (20) during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. Chicago won 2-1 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Saad is back in his place in the lineup, and he is producing. He has more points in the month of March than he has all year, and it’s only the 6th! The rookie is even getting consideration for the Calder trophy. From the start of the season, he is definitely the most improved player on the roster. From Monday night against the Oilers to Tuesday against Minnesota, he has 6 points, including an amazing first period against the Wild, where he recorded a goal and 2 primary assists. Saad is a big, fast player, and as good as Kaner’s fit on second line is, Saad’s spot on the first line is just as good, or even better. Lately he is the unsung hero of the Chicago Blackhawks, and he’s just fine with it.

#1: Bryan Bickell

Mar 5, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

This Three Stars are not about the player that got the most points, but the player that stood out among the rest, and contributed in ways that we as fans did not expect. This week, it was uncontested that Bryan Bickell gets the First Star nod. He has stepped up in great ways this last week, not only by scoring big goals (He had two in the first period against Minnesota) he had another big goal against Columbus, and one more assist facing the Blues, to grab 4 of his 12 points in 5 games. Bickell is another member of the Blackhawks depth that is playing better than any other player in his place. He is skating hard both ways, throwing his body around, and also rarely loses battles around the boards, which is a very good trait for him. He got two of the teams “Hard Hats” in 3 games, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Honorable Mentions:

Brent Seabrook/Duncan Keith: The best D-pairing in the league is playing less minutes than they have in a long time, but they are strong defensively as ever, and are starting to convert down the ice, too. Seabrook had a game winner against Columbus.

Ray Emery: 9-0-0 speaks for itself.

The Hawks take on Colorado on Wednesday night, as well as Friday. The season is half over, and Chicago still has a point in all of their games! Here’s to another week of the streak! LETS GO HAWKS!!

Who were your 3 Stars? Let us know on Facebook: Blackhawk Up, or Twitter: @Blackhawk_Up.

#3: Brandon Saad

Feb 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) makes a save against Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Sharks 2-1. The Blackhawks set an NHL record for scoring at least one point in 17 consecutive games to open a season. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Just as Andrew Shaw was last season, Brandon Saad is looking to be the Blackhawks’ freshman powerhouse this year. He added to an already-impressive NHL start by scoring the winning goal in Chicago’s record-breaking triumph over the San Jose Sharks on Friday. On that said goal, he did it all, (makes sense, the Hawks were on the PK) driving wide and ripping a shot off the opposite post, and beating former Hawk Antti Niemi. The Blackhawks never looked back as they swept their season series with the Sharks 3-0, and that was the final tally in the game as they won 2-1. Saad is playing good offensively, and he is where he needs to be, whether that’s in the slot or the corner, and it’s paying off, as he now has 34 shots, good for 8th on the team. Pretty impressive for a rookie, eh??

#2: Ray Emery

Feb 19, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery (30) is congratulated for a victory against the Vancouver Canuck by center Jonathan Toews (19) at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in the shootout. The Blackhawks tied an NHL record for scoring at least one point in 16 consecutive games to open a season. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s getting almost like the goaltending fiasco in Vancouver, between Ray Emery and Corey Crawford. If not for Crow’s shutout Sunday night, I’m almost certain Ray would be getting the starter’s job (at least for the time being) for the Hawks. He is undefeated in 7 games, and is not recognizable from the goon that fought Martin Biron and Andrew Peters 6 years ago this week. Getting 2 out of 3 starts this week should have bolstered Chicago fans’ confidence in “Razor,” and apart from a shaky start against the rival Canucks on Tuesday, he looked as solid, making saves at key times, especially in the shootout that game against the ‘Nucks went to that chilly night in Chicago. Only letting in 1 goal against the Sharks was a big check mark for him as well, as they have lots of players that can put the puck in the net. He gets the start Monday against the Oilers.

#1: Andrew Shaw

Feb 24, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu (10) is checked into his bench by Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

ShawFact: He’s back.

Andrew Shaw was by far the best player on the ‘Hawks this week, with the Game-Winning-Goal in not one, but 2 contests out of 3, assuming you count his shootout goal that took us all by surprise against Vancouver. He has been making smart puck decisions, has cut down his average shift time, and finally started showing up when we need him, with the big hits, and big goals. Scoring the only goal in a game is a pretty good feat, and he did just that Sunday night, even though the team as a whole did not have a good outing. He must have gotten to Ryan Clowe, as he left the bench just for Shaw, which resulted in a 2-game suspension for the Shark, announced Monday. Shaw is a depth peice that can turn in to a top 6 forward at any time. He has improved the last three weeks, and he should keep doing just that, as nothing is there to stop him.

Records: Set. First Place: Check. Streak: Still Alive. Cup Hopes: Plenty. Let’s keep ‘er rolling for another week, boys.

LETS GO HAWKS!!

Who were your Three Stars? Give us a shout: Facebook: Blackhawk Up, or Twitter: @Blackhawk Up

#3: Marcus Kruger

Feb 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) is defended by Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger (16) during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

If you have watched any Blackhawks broadcast lately, especially yesterday’s game against the L.A. Kings, you will know why Kruger gets the 3rd Star nod. He (and his whole line) have been outstanding, and seem to always be in position, whether that may be in the defensive end, neutral ice, or the opposition’s zone. His forecheck seems to be relentless, and he is tipping opponent’s passes, thanks to a good reach, and excellent vision. He scored the game-winner Friday night against San Jose, were he had a big game as well, not only scoring a goal but adding an assist, and he almost had another on the penalty kill when the puck took a weird bounce off of the end boards. Now that he is brought into the spotlight a little, (increasing his ice time in each game this week) ‘Hawks fans will notice that he works very hard and moves his feet extremely well. Despite only playing 10-13 minutes a game, Kruger was a key contributor this past week, and this could be a very good sign of things to come in the short-term and the long-term for him.

#2: Jonathan Toews

Feb 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) fights with San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Okay, so maybe dancing with Jumbo Joe Thornton wasn’t Toews’ smartest move in the last week, but he has made plenty that make up for it. Even though our Captain took a boarding and unsportsmanlike penalty to go with the fighting major on the shift, you have to admire his bravery. It isn’t often you see Tazer drop the mitts, and it’s also rare to see anyone get the better of Thornton. It was an easy win for the Sharks captain, but let me remind you it was Thornton who sucker punched Toews last season on the way to his concussion, and those two also have a history, and not a pretty one. Anyway, it might have been the spark the ‘Hawks needed, as they went on to win 4-1, and Toews earned 2nd star honors for that game. In Sunday’s matchup with Los Angeles, Toews also played a gritty game, going into the corners and crashing the net with more determination then we’ve seen from him lately, and the latter is where he knocked in a pass from Duncan Keith to make it 2-0 Blackhawks. Toews also notched the primary assist on the game-winning Patrick Sharp goal, just into the 2nd period. The Captain is showing more heart than he has so far this season, and even though this past week might not have been his best on the scoreboard, it was great to watch and that is why he gets my 2nd Star award.

#1: Ray Emery

Feb 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery (30) makes a save in front of Los Angeles Kings center Trevor Lewis (22) during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Blackhawks are not perfect, backup goaltender Ray Emery is; He’s 5-0 on the season! He started 2 out of 3 games in the last 7 nights, and he was very solid in both outings, allowing only 3 goals on 52 shots combined. To his credit, the 2 Mike Richards goals on Sunday were on the Powerplay, and could have been prevented with a little better PK from the 4 men in front of him. He is controlling his rebounds well, and is more aggressive than I remember, challenging a bit more than he has in the past, and that helps him with his angles. Another big point on why I gave Emery the 1st Star: He got ran over by the Kings’ Kyle Clifford late in the third period, (which should have been penalty-worthy) then still managed to stop the flurry of L.A. offense on the remaining 1:04 of 6-on-4 time. This is a good problem to have, rather then last year where both goaltenders struggled, they are both playing exceptionally well.

Honorable Mentions:

Brent Seabrook: Great game against L.A., sacrificing the body on a shot block that took him out of the game temporarily, but returned later on.

Here’s to one more week atop the NHL! LET’S GO HAWKS!

Who were your Three Stars? Let us know on Facebook: Blackhawk Up; or Twitter: @Blackhawk_Up.

#3: Andrew Shaw

Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Shaw had a shaky start to the season, but he has turned it around and his play this week earns him the 3rd Star. In San Jose, he notched the all-important 2nd goal that turned the tide of that game, where the ‘Hawks came back from 3-1 to win the game 5-3. He had a good play by parking in front of the net, and with little defensive pressure on him he made no mistake. That was definitely the most important play of the last week for him, but the prettiest came 2 days later in Phoenix, where he had a dirty little self-chip, then made a great pass to Viktor Stalberg for the 1st goal of 6 that night from Chicago. He has gone back to his gritty style of play, which showed on Sunday when he had no hesitation shedding the mitts with Richard Clune, and then scoring the takedown in the tilt. He also has figured out his role on the rush, which is being the winger that drives to the net, and he has done that with some success. Shaw is in his sophomore campaign, and he is turning into a great depth piece that can show up on the score-sheet just as much as some of the big stars in Chicago. Blackhawks fans should be very pleased with his performance lately.

#2: Viktor Stalberg

Feb 10, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Viktor Stalberg (25) shoots against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Viktor Stalberg makes his first appearance on this list after 3 games of consistent hard work, and it’s starting to pay off for the winger. He got three of his 6 points on the season in 2 games, (PHX and SJS) and there’s a feeling that another solid year is on the horizon. He got things started at the Jobing.com Arena on Thursday, burying the aforementioned pass from Andrew Shaw, which set the stage for my personal favourite play of the game: Fore-checking hard, forcing Keith Yandle (who had a terrible game) to cough up the puck. He then slid off to the side, and dished it to Bryan Bickell, who did the rest. He has been skating hard all season, and it’s great to see him finally turning up some points.

#1: Patrick “Who Else?” Kane

Feb 10, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates with the puck against Nashville Predators left wing Nick Spaling (13) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to not put Kaner at the top of the heap this week, (his third straight) when he topped the entire League and took home the First Star honours for last week. He was once again a force, and the empty net seemed to be his friend, as he slammed 2 of his 5 goals into yawning cages, thanks to the out-of-position Mike Smith and Antti Niemi. He is smart enough not to go in to the scrums and he is there in the open ice, and largely in part to the brilliant teamwork of his team, specifically Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp. He just seems to have the hot stick, scoring 5 times on 12 shots in 3 games. His speed and hands have both gone to another level, and he is perfecting his passing as well, as Dave Bolland clearly demonstrated by getting some great chances off of a nice feed by Kane. He has the deceptiveness to draw two defenders on him, and leave his line mates wide open, and more often then not they seem to capitalize. He is recovering well when the ‘Hawks lose the puck and have to transition, which is something I personally always look at, (thank my coach for that.) He is playing well in the defensive zone too, and we can’t ask for a more dominant Patrick Kane right now.

Honourable mentions:

Marcus Kruger: Had a wonderful couple of games, him and Shaw could really have tied for the 3rd spot.

Jamal Mayers: Did the right thing to Raffi Torres; beat his brains out, and early, so it was out of the way.

Corey Crawford: Got Chicago’s first shutout in 101 games, still looking very solid, and is leading the league in Wins.

The ‘Hawks return home this week, and play 4 games in 7 nights starting Tuesday, when the Anaheim Ducks pay a visit to the Madhouse. Here’s to a 10-0-2 record!

LETS GO HAWKS!

Who were your Three Stars? Let us know on Twitter (@Blackhawk_Up) or Facebook (Blackhawk Up)

#3: Jonathan Toews

Jan. 20, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) looks on during the first period against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Toews, so far, has delivered solid two-way play, and good leadership in the 5 games that have been played in the last 7 days. With 5 points, (3G, 2A) that ranks him 4th on the squad. He has gotten into the hair of the opposite defense, forcing plays, and keeping them on the ice and tiring them out. His vision is good as ever, and he exhibits good positional play on the rush, driving to the net of waiting up if the opportunity isn’t there. He is a force to be reckoned with (once again)This is the kind of play the Blackhawks and their fans need to expect from the Captain, and he should be ready to deliver for the rest of the season.

#2: Marian Hossa

Jan 24, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

We knew he would be good, but not this good. High hopes for Hossa developed after he was cleared to return, and he was one of the biggest questions heading into the season, behind the Hawks’goaltending. Big Hoss has blown everyone away, this has the potential to be his best season ever. He has demonstrated impressive offensive power, being in the right place in the right time, and making those shots that aren’t too easy, and is still clutch at 34 years of age. In the first 5 games, he amassed 5G and 2A, on the way to his 2nd best start ever (2007, where he has a 100 point season.) If Marian can stay healthy, he will be one of the league’s marquee players this season.

#1: Patrick Kane

Jan 24, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) and right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrate Hossa game winning goal against the Dallas Stars during the overtime period at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Kane has been lights out good this far into the season for the Chicago Blackhawks. He has made the rest of the league and it’s fans look and watch, and then hate him even more then they did before. As long as being the envy of the league isn’t a problem for Kaner, there should be no problem for him to continue making a fool out of his opponent’s defense. This year he has already used his buttery hands to slip past defenders and deliver sweet back-door passes, his speed to force turnovers in the defensive zone that lead to 3-on-0′s, and his wicked shot to blast pucks past goaltenders. In the opening 5 matches, he has put up 2 goals, and 7 assists. His 9 points are 1st on the ‘Hawks and 3rd around the NHL. If this level of play continues he can elevate the Blackhawks post-season chances.

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