NHL: Chicago Blackhawks Should Be Gunning for a Weekend Sweep

The Chicago Blackhawks have been the winners of eight of their last 11 games, stemming back from last month.  Returning west for a two-game road trip after winning three of four at the United Center, the Hawks face two teams that bested Chicago in their initial meetings this season.

A split would be acceptable, but the Blackhawks should be eying a sweep of San Jose and Colorado.

This is a different Blackhawks squad that faces these two conference opponents in return engagements.  Yes, Chicago is still missing Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Fernando Pisani. (Word is that veteran center Ryan Johnson was signed by Rockford to a PTO yesterday.  Insurance for Pisani?) But this team is steadily building confidence that it can win tight games and perform well without some of their big guns in the lineup.

The Hawks face the Sharks on Saturday night.  San Jose currently finished up a five-game road trip in Buffalo.  Our guys were watching the Sabres beat San Jose 6-3 from their hotel rooms.  It's more than likely we'll be the fresher team on the ice.

The defense gave up several easy scoring chances in the 5-2 loss to the Sharks last month.  We're taking better care of the puck right now.  The Sharks will have to earn their opportunities this time around.

Chicago will also catch the Avalanche returning from a five-game road trip.  Colorado, who have lost four in a row, travel to Atlanta and Washington Friday and Saturday to conclude the trip.  Monday's game is followed by a trip to the United Center Wednesday for the back half of a home and home with the Hawks.

The Hawks are getting better play from guys like Troy Brower, Dave Bolland and Bryan Bickell, who have all been playing on the third line lately.  They are taking care of business defensively and have shone at the other end of the ice as well.

Jeremy Morin and Rob Klinkhammer were sent back down to Rockford yesterday, but at least one guy (Morin) will be called up for Saturday's game.  I'd like to see the Hawks call up enough guys to give Joel Quenneville the option of sitting John Scott, which he should most certainly do this weekend.

Scott is a likable guy and has proved he can fight, but right now that's all he is.  A fighter.  If someone is going to defend a teammate, it's going to be Jake Dowell.  We saw that against Calgary and Dallas.

As impressive as he is with his fists, Scott doesn't go out and get guys on the ice.  His fights are largely with cementheads foolish enough to try and fire up their club with a fight.

Instead of crippling the fourth line with Scott's four minutes, bring up a skater (Klinkhammer was fine Wednesday, Potulny could do the job) so that the line can make a difference in one of these games.

I'm guessing that Corey Crawford is going to start until he loses a game.  He played tough third periods Sunday and Wednesday, not allowing a goal in the last 20 minutes in either contest.  He has seven straight wins going into Saturday.

A sweep of the road trip with Crawford in goal would best Denis DeJordy's rookie streak, set back in 1964 and tie him with Glenn Hall's nine-game streak in 1967.

He can have the record.  I'll be happy with the wins.

So far, the only thing missing in the Blackhawks resurgence this month has been what I call "Throat-Stepping Time."

We tend to let up when ahead, something that was annoying last season when we could get away with it, and dangerous this season when we can't.

Winning one game would be understandable.  Two road games, the Sharks are tough in their building, and we're battling injuries (Jassen Cullimore is also dinged up but made the trip).  However, the Blackhawks have to retain the intensity that has served us well over the last 11 games.

Every opponent is worth the effort.  Every point is needed right now.

Let's get out the brooms on this short road jaunt and spank a couple of Western Conference foes.