Around The Horn: What's working and what's not

What is Working: Resilience and third-period pushback. The Blackhawks have shown an uncanny ability to wear opponents down, capitalizing heavily in the middle and final frames through players like Art Galloway, Mark Dilworth, and Kevin Bonello. Bryan Saraka has also been rock solid when tested.

What Needs Fine-Tuning: First-period starts. Too often, the Blackhawks find themselves chasing the game early before finding their rhythm. Sharper opening shifts will save them from having to rely on late-game heroics.

What is Working: Grit, veteran leadership with a championship legacy, and a never-say-die offensive motor. John Pappas and Bill Begley continue to drive the bus, showing tremendous character in high-scoring shootouts and generating sustained pressure.

What Needs Fine-Tuning: Defensive transition and puck containment. Giving up high goal totals in early matchups means the Bruins are forced into offensive catch-up mode. Tightening up neutral-zone coverage will take pressure off of Tony Cioffi.

What is Working: Depth scoring and special teams punch. Contributors like Reinhart Kramreither, Leo Gruppuso, and Dave McGowan have kept the scoreboard ticking upward, and the power play has proven lethal when given an inch.

What Needs Fine-Tuning: Injury management and defensive zone consistency. Playing around a crowded injured reserve list has tested their depth, meaning cleaner breakouts and fewer turnovers in their own end will be critical to stabilize their defensive footprint.

What is Working: Top-line chemistry and veteran craftiness. John Marsden, Peter Boyko and Larry Stewart have proven they can find the back of the net against any defense in the league, orchestrating brilliant offensive zone cycles.

What Needs Fine-Tuning: Consistency across all three periods. The Jets have flashed brilliant opening frames only to see momentum stall out down the stretch. Putting together a complete game effort will turn those close losses into statement wins.

What is Working: Offensive versatility from the backend and forward units alike. Patrick Lamarre and Dave Maunder have been dangerous in generating high-danger scoring chances, utilizing smart positional play and crisp distribution.

What Needs Fine-Tuning: Closing out tight contests and managing injuries. The Rangers have shown they can trade blows with anyone, but defensive lapses late in games have occasionally let valuable points slip away. Locking down the slot in the third period is priority number one.

What is Working: Total dominance out of the gate. The Stars are playing an airtight team game anchored by David Smorenburg between the pipes and an explosive offensive attack led by Andrew Miocevich and Barry MacDonald. Their transitional play and special teams execution have set the gold standard early in the year.

What Needs Fine-Tuning: Discipline and penalty management. While their firepower masks minor infractions, avoiding unnecessary trips to the sin bin will be key when they run into stiffer, more opportunistic defensive structures.