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Analysis

NHL Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Taking Control

By Colin Likas
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (19) looks to make a pass in front of Edmonton Oilers defensemen Kris Russell (4) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (19) looks to make a pass in front of Edmonton Oilers defensemen Kris Russell (4) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Chicago Blackhawks

Previous: 2nd

Season record: 13-5-2

It’s always nice to jump out to a lead in not only your division, but also your conference. The Blackhawks have ridden this to being the best team in the Western Conference, even if the Circus Trip has had an iffy run through Canada.

We know what’s going on in Chicago. The team is once again dominating at the United Center (8-1-2). Corey Crawford has been mostly great in net (.921/2.34). And most of the big guns are producing on offense, with Patrick Kane’s 20 points and 18 more apiece from Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin leading the surge.

On top of that, Marian Hossa has found himself after a tough previous season, and the youngsters are contributing at a fairly consistent rate. Pretty good for a team that was in flux this offseason.

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