Is it too early in the season, I wonder, to suggest that the torch has been passed to the young and supremely talented Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference race?

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Blackhawks' Kris Versteeg (left) and Patrick Sharp celebrate after goal against the Canadiens Oct. 30 in Chicago.

Photograph by : Getty Images

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I mean, how do you write off the fact that with their stunning 7-2 romp in San Jose on Wednesday, the Blackhawks extended their winning streak to eight games?

Or that with their manhandling of the team with the conference's best record, Chicago's first three goals were scored while they were shorthanded?

The Sharks' first regulation home defeat of the season also was their most lopsided loss, as the Blackhawks built a 7-0 lead before Dan Boyle and Joe Pavelski scored with fewer than four minutes remaining to avoid the embarrassment of a shutout. In the process, the Blackhawks outshot the Sharks 41-24.

How about outscoring the opposition 20-5 in the first four of their six games on the road, awaiting No. 5 in Anaheim yesterday? If you're counting, they defeated Atlanta 7-1, were 5-2 winners in Edmonton, followed the next day by a 1-0 victory in Vancouver.

Before embarking on their road trip, the Blackhawks had won four in a row - 4-1 over the Kings, a 3-2 shootout against Colorado, a 3-2 victory over Toronto and 4-3 in an overtime win against the Sharks.

This mauling of the Sharks must have been particularly sweet for Marian Hossa. He was playing in his first game of the season, scored on his first shot, and added a shorthanded goal in the second period before the rout was over.

"It was a bonus to score two goals," Hossa told reporters afterward. "I was looking to try to get into game shape and to make good plays, keep it simple. Who would say we'd beat them 7-2?"

Nobody, that's who.

There are times in the season when teams truly show what they're made of, and while the loudest statements aren't delivered until the playoffs, you can be certain this one will attract NHL-wide notice. San Jose coach Todd McLellan already has noticed.

"When you're not prepared to play and you're not alert, not sharp, those things can happen, especially when you're playing against perhaps the top team in the National Hockey League," McLellan said.

rfisher@thegazette.canwest.com