5 Thoughts: Chicago Blackhawks defeat New York Islanders at home

4 – Mathew Barzal is really good at hockey.

We like to talk about our Blackhawks players, but you can’t ignore the ridiculous talents of

Mathew Barzal

.  Last year’s Calder Trophy winner is an elite skater with hands to match.  And he was more than a handful for the defense of the Chicago Blackhawks.  He continually created extended zone time in the ‘Hawks end.  On his goal, he simply exploded from his own blue line with the puck to blow past

Connor Murphy

and

David Kampf

for a breakaway.  Behold:

After losing superstar

John Tavares

in free agency, many thought the Isles would struggle to stay out of the NHL’s cellar.  But partially due to the emergence of this young star, the team is currently in first place in the Metropolitan division.

5 – The black and whites are stunning.

OK. This is not a hockey X’s and O’s thing, but you have to admit that the Winter Classic uniforms are a keeper.  They are simple and a fresh take on the sweater from the 1920s.  I found myself noticing them throughout the game, so there.  Hot takes.

The ‘Hawks now head into the All-Star Break with a record of 18-24-9 and sit 5 places from the bottom of the league in points.  These are not your Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks right now.  But you are seeing the best Patrick Kane season of all time.  And you’ll get to see him in his eighth All-Star Game appearance this weekend.  The national audience will get to see what we get to see on a regular basis.  Let’s go Blackhawk: Patrick Kane.