What’s On Tap For The Chicago Blackhawks This Week

What’s on tap for the Chicago Blackhawks this week? (picture courtesy of teamtzzle.com)

For the first time since the first puck dropped in L.A. on January 19th the Chicago Blackhawks get some rest and relaxation with three straight days off. The Hawks have played 26 games in 50 days so they deserve a few days off.  They have lost 2 games in a row but they still have a league best 21-2-3 record, and they real goal isn’t streaks and presidents cups but the one and only Stanley Cup!  The Hawks head back to where it all began and that’s on the road, where the Hawks will be all week long.

When the Hawks finally do get back on the ice it will be against one of the hottest teams in the NHL and it’s almost hard to say. The Hawks start off Thursday night in the home of hockey’s hottest team the Columbus Blue Jackets who have won five straight games. The Hawks have beaten the Blue Jackets twice already this season both were one goal affairs 4-3 in OT and 3-2. The Hawks have looked a step slow in their last two contests so the rest should help them regain their jump in their skates.  The extra time off should help Joel Quenneville get a little practice time in and get the lines together with the absence of Patrick Sharp. Columbus is still in the basement of the Central division but only 5 points out of 2nd place Detroit.

The only other game of the week for the Hawks will be in Dallas Saturday night. The Hawks already won in Dallas already a come from behind 3-2 win in overtime. Dallas plays the Nashville Predators on Tuesday before hosting the Hawks. Dallas is also another basement dweller but also only 2 points away from 2nd place LA Kings who they beat handily last week.  The Stars Kari Lehtonen always plays great when facing Chicago so the Hawks will have to be on top of their game offensively to escape Big D with another win.

What is your prediction for the Hawks this week?

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