5 Things the Chicago Blackhawks Need to Do at Home This Weekend

The Chicago Blackhawks left Western Canada on a less than positive note for the second time this season. As they did in November, the 'Hawks dropped three straight games to Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.

As a result, the Blackhawks return for a stopover in Chicago for a gloomy weekend that should provide plenty of time for reflection. Trust me, there is much to ponder following a rotten start to nine games away from the United Center.

The 'Hawks have now lost five straight dating back to before the All-Star break. They came up short of a win in Vancouver, embarrassed in Edmonton and played scared in Calgary. There are problems to sort out all over the ice.

The team is taking advantage of the schedule to grab a few days of home cooking before jetting back west for the next leg of what could be the February Swoon Tour of 2012.

Chicago is in a funk and has to regroup. With 29 games remaining, it's not too late to right this ship. Here are five things the 'Hawks need to do before repacking their bags for next week's games.

1. Look Forward

The 'Hawks can't go back and win those last three games. Let's concentrate on the ones the can win.

First up is Colorado, who present a lot of similar problems as Edmonton did with some skill up front. The Avalanche has been a tough opponent this year for the 'Hawks.

Chicago is 1-1-1 against both Colorado and Phoenix, who closes out Week 2 of the road trip. Both the Avs and the Coyotes have won their last two meetings with the Blackhawks.

San Jose means another date with Antti Niemi, who has been stingy in net against his old teammates. However, Chicago does have a 2-1 advantage on the Sharks in the season series, but all three games have been decided by a goal.

2. Make Sure Ray Emery Is Well Rested...

...because he should get at least two of the three starts in goal this week.

Corey Crawford followed one of his better games of the season against Vancouver with a horrendous effort in Edmonton. Emery wasn't able to pick up a win Friday, but gave Chicago a chance to pull the game out until the defense gave up a Jerome Iginla breakaway in the third period.

Emery deserves to get a larger share of time in net until Crawford picks up the consistency.

3. Watch Detroit Take on the Oilers and Take Some Notes

That's right, I said it.

The 'Hawks went 0-2-1 in Western Canada this week. Detroit has opened post All-Star play by beating the Flames 3-1 then posting a 4-3 shootout winner over the Canucks. They go for the sweep against the Oilers Saturday night.

Apparently someone can beat those three teams.

The Red Wings have gone 9-1 in their last 10 games to take control of the Central Division. Chicago has been 4-4-2 in that span. Detroit could open an eight-point advantage on the 'Hawks and it's not hard to see why.

4. Stop Pining for What You Don't Have and Get the Job Done in House

Stan Bowman has said in as many words that there are no trades in the works for the foreseeable future. This means the following:

• Bowman is trolling for upgrades, but is trying to fly casual to avoid paying too much for the pieces he wants.

• Bowman is waiting until the deadline is upon us when more teams will be open to sell.

• Bowman isn't planning on making any deals.

We can spend the next month discussing what we think we need and whether or not Bowman will nab the right pieces. However, the fact remains that there are 23 men on our current roster who have to find a way to turn things around on their own.

If an impact player or players eventually come aboard, great. However, there isn't time to whimper in a corner while possible deals are made.

5. Five Words: Super Bowl Party at Tazers

The captain deciding to hold a big shindig for his teammates might not be what everybody has in mind for the Blackhawks. It might, however, be the trick in shaking off the stink of the last few weeks.

Everyone gets together for a big blowout to forget about their poor play for a couple of hours. Send Andrew Shaw and Marcus Kruger out for the pizza. Watching the game can be optional. Bryan Bickell can take out his teeth and relax.

The 'Hawks can bond, refocus and board the plane to Colorado ready to go off on a tear.

Hey, it works in the movies.

(Note: In the movies, parties like this sometimes lead to everyone sitting in jail. That's why the party isn't at Kaners.)

I don't want a team like I saw in Calgary Friday. That team was tight as a drum and afraid to cut loose. Yes, Chicago has to play smart in all three zones, but they have to do it with the confidence of a talented hockey team.

Poo-poo the party if you want, but bag skates aren't going to snap them out of whatever is ailing them. They've already been embarrassed on this trip. Time to drop a downer of a week from memory and start over fresh against the Avalanche.