The Chicago Blackhawks have started off their 2013 hockey season with a record of seven wins to two losses. This record ranks the team number one in the National Hockey League (NHL).

The Blackhawks had a winning streak of six games, making a new franchise record. Both losses that the team has faced went to a team shoot-out against the Minnesota Wilds and Vancouver Canucks. Player, Andrew Shaw, commented on the teams’ loss in shootouts saying, “It’s tough to lose a shootout, it’s something I’ve got to be better in, the team as well…”

The team also leads the NHL in penalty kills as well. One of the teams’ defensemen, Duncan Keith, was happy with the teams lead. “There’s a lot of things that go into have a good penalty kill…First and foremost, we’ve got everyone contributing. Frolik and Kruger have done a real good job of stepping up and being a big part of the penalty kill and Crawford’s been good in the net when he’s had to make those saves,” says Keith.

Head coach, Joe Quenneville, knew the team would come out strong before the season started. “I found their first four or five days on the ice remarkable. Nobody looked out of shape and the guys have a lot of enthusiasm. We have a very tough schedule and we know the importance of starts to the season and starts to games. Everybody is feeling a part of it and contributing,” says Quenneville.

Over all the team is very happy with their performance in the season. “It’s unbelievable how our season is going. We have a great group of guys in this locker room and I think if we just stick to doing the little things and playing the system, then we’ll do great,” says player, Nick Leddy.

The Blackhawks ended their six game road trip with a shutout in Nashville against the predators on Sunday night with a score of 3-0. They will face the Anaheim Ducks on home ice February 12th.