May 3, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Sharp (10) shoots the puck against Minnesota Wild center Kyle Brodziak (21) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Wild 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Sorry ahead of time, for nitpicking the Chicago Blackhawks, who are off to a mighty fast start in the Playoffs, with a quick 2-0 lead in the series over the Minnesota Wild.  While there is very little to complain about with a team being as successful as the Hawks have been thus far, there is one area that needs some work.  The Power Play.

The Blackhawks Power Play has been quite a mystery the past couple of seasons.  In the 2011-2012 season, the Blackhawks were ranked a dismal 26th in Power Play percentage in the NHL.  This season, the Hawks slightly improved to a still disappointing 19th best in Power Play percentage.  The reason the struggles on the man-advantage is such a mystery is because the Hawks boast arguably the best roster of offensive fire-power in the NHL.  A Power Play that features guys like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, and Patrick Sharp sounds about as good as can be, on paper.  For some reason, the results have been disappointing in recent years.

Now, in the two games played in the series against the Wild, the Hawks are 1 for 7 on the Power Play thus far.  Yes, this is an extremely small sample size, but the fact that the Power Play isn’t a colossal advantage to the Hawks, is rather irritating.  Of course, in game 2 it wasn’t even needed, but the Hawks still went 0 for 4 on the man-advantage.  Marian Hossa’s goal in game one was in fact a Power Play goal, but it came at the end of a poorly executed Power Play for the Hawks.  I know, results are all that matter, but this anomaly of Power Play mediocrity became ridiculous a long time ago.  What could and should be a tremendous advantage for the Hawks is in actuality a dud of a weapon that could possibly turn itself into an Achilles heel for the Hawks.

While no one should be anywhere near any sort of panic-button, obviously.  This is an area that really should improve.  While it is a small sample size in the midst of great success so far, it is one of the only areas of concern for the Blackhawks.  Minnesota’s Penalty Kill unit was ranked 15th during the regular season, so they are beatable, and the Hawks should be beating them on the man-advantage more than they have so far.  By beating them, I mean: generating quality scoring chances, fluid passing, and NO puck chasing.  It can happen, and it should.

Right now though, the Hawks are up 2 games to none on the Wild, and that’s all that really matters.

Feb 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (left) and center Jonathan Toews (middle) and right wing Patrick Kane (right) talk during the overtime period against the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center. The Ducks beat the Blackhawks 3-2 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks have not lost in regulation this year, but don’t let that fool you, they have their weak points. Among all of the good things going on, they still are confronted with issues on the power play.

The Hawks are less than good on the power play this season, at a whopping 18.2 percent, the Hawks have some work to do to say the least. The only thing that’s keeping the team afloat on special teams is the penalty kill at 91.5 percent, only 2 percent behind Boston for the league lead.

The concerned continued Tuesday when the Hawks faced Anaheim. The Hawks gave up a late tying goal, and within the last minute went on the power play. After failing in regulation they went into overtime. In overtime the Hawks gained another power play, and failed once again. After the overtime, the Ducks Corey Perry beat Crawford in a shootout to win.

Should this be a concern for Chicago? What should Coach Q do? The start should come from the past success. When Chicago was successful they used passing, and strategy to succeed. When the Hawks pass and move around in the zone they can be effective. Players like Patrick Kane, and Marian Hossa can handle in the zone to create chances. Look at the Blackhawks overtime win against Dallas.

Essentially the Chicago Blackhawks have nothing to worry about now, but moving forward this season, and into the playoffs, the Hawks need all they can get to produce down the stretch. Look for more movement and strategy scoring up, with different style, and pairings.

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Feb 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (left) and center Jonathan Toews (middle) and right wing Patrick Kane (right) talk during the overtime period against the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center. The Ducks beat the Blackhawks 3-2 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports