Well, now. USA Today's Kevin Allen reports that the Chicago Blackhawks' 22-game unbeaten streak is more than a slight statistical anomaly:

Richard Cleary, professor of mathematical sciences at Bentley University in Waltham, Mass., pegs the probability of its occurrence at once every 700 years.

"It's the 'start of the season' thing that really makes it unlikely," he said. "The chance of some team getting points in 22 games in the row at some point in the season is much higher."

In other words, because an NHL team usually plays an 82-game schedule, it has 60 chances to start a 22-game streak of not losing in regulation. But a team has one opportunity to begin the season with a 22-game streak. The Blackhawks (19-0-3) will be going for No. 23 Tuesday night at home against the Minnesota Wild.

"What they have done is phenomenal," Nashville Predators general manager David Poile said. "If you ever thought something like this could happen, it wouldn't be in a condensed, 48-game schedule."

Continued with more gushy praise from all corners...