Chicago Blackhawks: Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild Can't Be Overlooked

The Chicago Blackhawks host two teams that are a combined 3-14-3 since December 17th this week. What would normally appear to be trap games for the Blackhawks are anything but.

True, games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild seem to be just what the doctor ordered. However, that doctor has also pronounced several players out of the lineup. These next two games are too important for the 'Hawks to overlook.

The Blackhawks have a tough back-to-back this weekend with a Saturday matinee in Detroit followed by San Jose visiting Sunday night. Maybe a week ago there could be a more relaxed attitude about two struggling opponents coming to the United Center, but not now.

Not when so much has changed in the last 10 days.

Chicago has dropped four in a row. Patrick Sharp's injury promises to be a real test of team depth over the next few weeks. Marcus Kruger is progressing but still missing from the lineup. A host of kids from Rockford are charged with stepping into the lineup and contributing in a major way.

Starting Tuesday night, the new-look 'Hawks have to build on a solid effort in Sunday's loss to the Red Wings.

Columbus comes into the contest with the worst record in the league. They have two wins in their last 11 games. They also have a new coach, having fired Scott Arniel on Monday.

Todd Richards is no Ken Hitchcock, but remember how the struggling St. Louis Blues responded when they made their debut with Hitchcock against Chicago? They shut out the 'Hawks and now hold a share of the Central Division lead.

The Blackhawks have three wins in the three meetings with Columbus, but a new man at the helm and Chicago's recent struggles should give the Blue Jackets a bump coming into the contest.

Thursday night's tilt with the Wild may not have the same intrigue as the first meeting between the two teams in Minnesota December 14th. The Wild started that evening on top of the Western Conference and plummeted following Chicago's 4-3 victory.

Minnesota limps into town the losers of 11 of their last 12 games. This is a vastly different team that will oppose the 'Hawks. Of course, you can say the same thing about the home team.

Chicago has lost five of six and have also dropped in the standings. Michael Frolik is likely centering Ben Smith and Marian Hossa Tuesday night. What was a hole in their top-six a few days ago is a chasm. Players like Frolik and Smith get first crack at filling the gap.

Look for Jimmy Hayes to get his shot. Andrew Shaw is going to see time on the checking line while Viktor Stalberg attempts to get back on the torrid pace he was on before the skid, and will do that on the top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Kruger will be a welcome addition to the lineup, provided he is fully recovered from the concussion symptoms that have kept him out of the lineup. Of course, Toews, Kane and Hossa are tabbed with the job of picking up even more of the scoring load.

If I had to pick two teams for Chicago's opponents as they sort out the lineup issues, I could do a lot worse that Columbus and Minnesota this week. That doesn't mean things will be as easy as the records may suggest.

If the 'Hawks can build on the improved effort on Sunday, they could pick up four important points going into a tough weekend. It's time to tighten up the skates and earn those points.