$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the Chicago Blackhawks\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the Chicago Blackhawks' Early-Season Action

By Darrell Samuels

5 Things We've Learned From the Chicago Blackhawks' Early-Season Action

United Center — The Chicago Blackhawks have stepped up over the recent years and have been in discussions as being the National Hockey League's latest dynasty team. They have won six Stanley Cups in their history and three of them since the start of the 2009-10 campaign. As good as that has been, there have been some things that have been noticeable about this roster over the first six games.

5. Youngsters have stepped up

Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks

5. Youngsters have stepped up

Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks — Forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Artemi Panarin are quite impressive in Chicago colors. Teravainen is a draft pick of Chicago's in the 2012 NHL Draft and Panarin signed late last season with the Blackhawks after a stint playing in the KHL. Panarin has scored six points in seven games, and Teravainen has scored three points in six games. Both look like they will fit in with the roster.

4. Goaltending has been average

Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks

4. Goaltending has been average

Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks — The team moved out Antti Raanta to the New York Rangers this summer and replaced him with Scott Darling. Darling started two games this year and won one and lost one thus far. Starting goalie Corey Crawford has started four games and won two and lost two. The goaltending has to improve if the team has aspirations of winning their seventh Stanley Cup, as both goalies have given up 14 goals within the first six games.

3. The Chicago Blackhawks have suffered a significant injury to defenseman Duncan Keith

Duncan Keith

3. The Chicago Blackhawks have suffered a significant injury to defenseman Duncan Keith

Duncan Keith — This summer, the Chicago Blackhawks were forced to trade some salaries because of salary cap issues. Defenseman Duncan Keith, along with his defense partner Brent Seabrook, have been a great duo on the blue line. Keith is now out for four to six weeks to repair a right meniscal tear, and someone will have to fill the big shoes left by Keith's void. They will probably run into salary issues trying to bring a top defenseman back to Chicago.

2. Patrick Sharp struggling in Dallas is helping the Blackhawks indirectly

Patrick Sharp, Dallas Stars

2. Patrick Sharp struggling in Dallas is helping the Blackhawks indirectly

Patrick Sharp, Dallas Stars — This summer, the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars consummated a large trade sending Patrick Sharp and Stephen Johns to Dallas for Trevor Daley and Ryan Garbutt. At least early on, Sharp is struggling to click in Texas with his new teammates, and the Blackhawks have had unfamiliar players step in and, at least early on, show signs they can supplement Sharp's 43 points from a year ago.

1. Patrick Kane has been great on the ice

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

1. Patrick Kane has been great on the ice

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks — This summer has been difficult for Patrick Kane as another offseason has found him facing some legal difficulties away from the rink. Kane has demons away from the ice and has scored seven points in six games and is currently the team's leading point producer on the ice. He continues to be a valuable asset to this roster in spite of his troubles away from being a National Hockey League player.

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