There's No Place Like the Road: Blackhawks Win Again Outside of Chicago

The Blackhawks stepped up immensely last night versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Even though it was broadcasted prior to the game that they will be "Kaneless," the Blackhawks had one thing on their side:  the road.

In the Blue Jackets home opener, the Blackhawks excelled in their 5-2 win.

The regular point scoring Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp and Tomas Kopecky all put two points on the board.

Sharp scored two goals and almost received the first hat trick for the Blackhawks this season on a breakaway chance, but came up short.

The Slovakian favorites both contributed an assist and scored a goal to stay consistent in the goal-scoring department early in the season.

Viktor Stalberg, Jack Skille and even Jassen Cullimore put themselves on the score card.

Stalberg presented his speed for all to see while scoring the first goal of the night.  Skille and Cullimore went on to help with their passing skills to gain one assist each.

Such exceptional performances allowed Duncan Keith to only clock in 23 minutes on ice.  After what seemed to be a long wait, Keith playing under 30 minutes can hopefully mean he will be rested for tonight's so-called hostile game against the Buffalo Sabres.

With the Blackhawks winning 2-of-3 on the road (one resulting in an overtime loss) goes to show they are still the road warriors they were last season.

Last season from the regular season to the playoffs, the Blackhawks held a record of winning 23 on the road and during the playoffs, going 8-3 to eventually win it all in the end.

They still have not had a chance to grasp a point in the United Center, but they have that chance tonight.

If they can hold on to the momentum from last night, they can get back on track at home as well.  In the 2009-2010 season the Blackhawks only dropped eight games at home during the regular season.

Otherwise, Blackhawks management may have to start forking out money for hotel rooms in Chicago again. 

Mikal Elyse is a Featured Columnist for bleacherreport.com and co-owner of chicagosportsauthority.com