NHL: Do the Chicago Blackhawks Have What It Takes To Go on a February Tear?

The Chicago Blackhawks ended play this month on a disappointing note, dropping consecutive home contests to the Philadelphia Flyers and the Minnesota Wild.  The losses put a damper on the All Star break for a Hawks squad that is showing signs of quality play.

The Blackhawks aren't slumping as they did earlier in the season, but that big run that might propel them up the Western Conference standings has not materialized.

Is it wrong to think that the Hawks may not have that run in them?

After two months of home friendly scheduling, Chicago has just 12 home dates in its last 32 games.  The Blackhawks were 6-4-1 in January.  Not pathetic, but nothing to suggest that this team is going to grab a top-three playoff spot.  Right now, this pace may not even be enough to make the playoffs.

Close games lost in the third period have more than caught up with the Hawks.  For every glimmer of hope showed in the win in Detroit, there is an underwhelming such as Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Wild.  The Hawks have played better hockey in the last two months compared to earlier this season, but let's face it.  They have been average at best.  Their record and their spot in the conference show exactly that.

How do the Hawks climb the conference ladder?  One rung at a time.  Here are some things to keep an eye on this month.

Can The Hawks Get Separation From The Teams Around Them?

Not if they continue to drop games to these teams.  The teams in spots six through 10 are separated by two points.  The Hawks have no one but themselves to blame for being mired in the middle of that pack.

Hawk vs. Colorado: 1-2-1

Hawks vs. Minnesota: 1-1

Hawks vs. Phoenix: 0-1

Hawks vs. San Jose: 0-2-1

We are 2-6-2 against the teams currently competing for the last few playoff spots.  We have the opportunity to improve upon that with three games with the Wild and a pair with the Coyotes.  If we want to separate ourselves from the pack, we must win these games.

Can Keith And Seabrook Help Lead A More Consistent Defensive Effort?

The Hawks top line has been the indicator by which most of the Hawks efforts have been measured.  When they take care of business on the blue line, Chicago has thrived.  When they've gotten careless, it has showed on the scoreboard.

The frustrating thing is this inconsistency is a period by period problem.  The defense has been better and has helped limit shots on goal to a degree.  I still think the D can and should turn it up a notch and strive for consistency.  This starts at the top.

Will Our Big Guns Lead The Charge?

I still contend that a big difference in Chicago's fortunes have centered on our top guys.

The bottom-six forwards have been pulling their share of the load, and Nick Leddy and Jordan Hendry have helped eat up minutes to spell the top lines.  Dave Bolland and the third line have really helped pick up the slack in offense from the big names, as has Tomas Kopecy and Troy Brouwer.

At some point, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa all need to break out with an offensive explosion.  All three may be playing hurt, but the time is now to spark a big run.  Are they healthy enough to do this?

Can The Hawks Build Chemistry and Momentum With Another Big Road Trip?

Chicago starts the post All Star schedule on the road.  This will be their second extended time away from the United Center this season.

The Hawks visit Columbus before trekking to Western Canada for games with Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.  From there, they dip to the Southwest for match ups with Dallas and Phoenix.

The Canucks and Stars both lead their respective divisions, but the Hawks have beaten both teams, including a 7-1 win in Vancouver back in November.  The Hawks got our of their early season funk with a 4-2 record on that trip.  Maybe some time out of a suitcase will spark another win streak.

Should Coach Q Let Turco Shoulder Some Of The Load In Goal?

Corey Crawford went into the break on a less than positive note, allowing four goals to both the Flyers and Wild.   Mentally, he may be starting to feel the grind of his first NHL season.  He should have had plenty of rest with five days off last week, so unless he's ill or hurt, I doubt it's physical right now.  He has another week to charge his batteries, but I think we need to utilize our goal tandem.

I don't think Turco should be handed back the starting job, but I think he ought to start a couple games on the road trip.  He shut out Edmonton in his last start there, and I would think the club will put him in goal in Dallas against the Stars.

Turco is still going to have to be a part of this effort to reach the playoffs.  I'd like to see him in net for another 10-12 games the rest of the way.  Crawford has played well and earned the top spot between the pipes in Chicago, but he needs to be fresh down the stretch.  It's important that both goalies get work, especially with so much travel this month.

Can The Hawks Go 4-0 At Home?

The home schedule in February is sparse to say the least.  The Hawks host Minnesota on the 16th, Columbus on the 18th, Pittsburgh on the 20th, then Phoenix on the 27th.

Again, beating the Wild and Coyotes is crucial.  Columbus needs to be taken care of on home ice, which leaves the showdown with the Penguins.  Chicago is just 16-13 at home this season.  We need to be better at United Center, and sweeping the month there is a good place to start.

Is What You See What You Get, Or Is A Deal In The Works?

The Hawks haven't pulled the trigger on any trades, although center and defense could be addressed this month before the deadline.

Leddy was sent down again this week to save money.  Will any of that cap space be used by a veteran addition?  Or is Stan Bowman confident that he has the pieces in place this season to go deep in the playoffs?

If no deals are made, I'd like to see Jassen Cullimore brought up to replace Nick Boynton as the seventh defenseman.  I just think Cullimore plays a smarter game than Boynton and would fill that spot a little better.  Other than that, the Hawks will probably not going to make a significant change.

We've passed the point in the season where the Hawks can point to developing chemistry, injuries, the short summer, or anything else as an excuse.  Chicago has had four months to show the spark that propelled it deep into the playoffs the last two seasons.  Time is quickly running out on this team.  If the Blackhawks have any upward mobility, it needs to show soon.

We're still waiting for the Hawks to put it together for a extended stretch.  To quote Tom Petty, "The waiting is the hardest part."