Blackhawks' brutal schedule could leave them in a major hole by November

The Chicago Blackhawks have just six points in their first nine games, placing them last in the Central Division. A slow start was expected. Captain Connor Bedard started the season on injured reserve, and an early return gave them the jump-start they needed to avoid being too far behind the eight ball after nine games. Still, after winning the first two of Bedard's three games, Chicago is further behind than they'd like.

With the danger of falling too far behind in a competitive Western Conference, the Blackhawks need to win most of their remaining October games to get close to the .500 mark. Head coach Jeff Blashill wishes it were that easy, but an Atlantic Division swing to finish the month will make it very difficult.

October 23 vs. Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens haven't hit their stride yet this season, but they are still one of the league's most talented teams. This spells trouble for a Blackhawks team that hasn't been very stingy on defense. The good news is the team has a five-day break before they play the Habs on Friday, but whether that's enough time for Blashill to figure out the fourth-worst goals-against average in the league remains to be seen.

October 25 vs. Panthers

After a brief hiatus as contenders last season, the former back-to-back Stanley Cup champions have returned to being contenders in the tough Atlantic Division. Brady Tkachuk had a slow start in his new uniform. But he's now posted two natural hat tricks in the team's first nine games, and the team is starting to find its stride. The physical matchup isn’t great for Chicago.

October 27 vs. Kings

The Los Angeles Kings break up the Atlantic Division gauntlet and give the Blackhawks their best chance to win during this stretch. Los Angeles is the last team to win a game this season, and Kings fans have to hope they've at least secured one victory before this October 27 matchup. If the Blackhawks are going to get back into contention, they have to take care of business against teams like this.

October 29 vs. Red Wings

October 29 is too far out to make a true prediction on this matchup, since no one knows where the Detroit Red Wings will be by then. Will Dylan Larkin finally get his wish to be traded? Will Detroit have Simon Edvinsson signed? Will both players be out the door, leaving Detroit potentially better or worse depending on what they get for each? The Red Wings haven't been great this season, but this game might not be an easy win.

October 31 vs. Bruins

The Blackhawks' Halloween present will be a matchup with the Boston Bruins, who have again exceeded early expectations this season and are currently first in the Atlantic Division. With the Atlantic's competitiveness, the Bruins could be outside the playoff picture by Halloween, but they still present a tough, physical challenge.

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