NHL Power Rankings 2011, Week 3: Blackhawks Moving Up

The Chicago Blackhawks are playing good hockey right now, having won five of their last seven contests, and they're moving up in the NHL power rankings. This week they check in at No. 6 in Real Clear Sports' aggregated power rankings, up from No. 14 this time last week. The Blackhawks received huge bumps from ESPN and Sports Illustrated; both outlets moved the Blackhawks up over 10 spots in their latest power rankings.

Although Chicago sits atop the Central Division and sports a healthier goal differential than second-place Detroit, the Blackhawks are still a few spots behind the Red Wings in the aggregate rankings. Elsewhere in the division, St. Louis checks in at No. 19, Nashville sits at No. 21, and Columbus rounds things out at No. 30.

The Blackhawks will look to keep rolling on a quick road trip to Carolina on Friday night before returning home to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.

For the latest on the Chicago Blackhawks, make sure to visit Second City Hockey and SB Nation Chicago.