Chicago Blackhawks: Is This Roadtrip Do Or Die For The Team's Playoff Hopes?

The Chicago Blackhawks get the hunt for the post-season back underway tonight when the puck drops in Columbus.  For the Blackhawks, Tuesday night's contest will be the start of a crucial six-game road trip.

The last six-game jaunt help stabilize the 'Hawks after some early season troubles.  The playoffs may be on the line with this trip.

A bit dire a forecast, perhaps?

Let's look a little closer at the state of the team and pose that question later.

The Trip: Game By Game

Any conference opponent has to go down.  That includes the Blue Jackets, who have struggled mightily in the last two months.  They are 3-5-2 in their last ten games.  This is not a tune-up game for Chicago.  The winning needs to start tonight.

The 'Hawks have had success in Vancouver recently, but there's no doubt that the Canucks aren't five points up on the rest of the conference for nothing.  They're also 17-3-5 at home, so a point on February 4th would be a welcome surprise.  How many times can we have their number?

Calgary is in the pack of teams in the hunt for a playoff spot, and they embarrassed us in their building the last time we were there.  Crawford is definitely in goal on February 7th.  The 'Hawks need to separate themselves from the Flames, and beating them here would be a nice first step.

Unless Crawford is lights out for the previous two games, I think Quenneville gives Turco the net and hopes we can dominate the Oilers February 9th.  Two points is a must in this game, considering how the 'Hawks finish the week.

The road trip concludes with back to back games at Dallas (February 11th) and Phoenix (February 12th).  Turco will surely be in goal for his homecoming with the Stars, who have been 8-2-1 since the new year began.  We've split with Dallas this season but coming out of Texas with a win may be too much to expect.

Chicago will try to avenge a 2-1 loss at the United Center to the Coyotes.  We're currently looking up at Phoenix, who has lost their last four home games and are hovering around .500 on home ice this year.  This game will be the fourth in six days for the 'Hawks, so the team will have to find something extra to close out a big conference game.

We're Healthy...or Are We?

Right now the 'Hawks are clear on the injury list, but we will find out how healthy the team is in the next few games.

Jonathan Toews is likely still being bothered by the shoulder he injured in December.  Patrick Kane's ankle doesn't seem to be a problem, but those type of injuries tend not to heal fully until the off season.  Still, they have the resiliency of youth on their side.

Marian Hossa, however, is beginning to worry me.

The reports are that the illness that kept him out of the Minnesota game last week was a slight bout of vertigo, which has apparently passed.  Vertigo is the last thing you want a player who signed for the next decade to have.   It has ended athlete's careers.

For now I'll take Hossa at his word, but vertigo is a scary word to throw out there.

The 'Hawks need Toews, Kane and Hossa to pick it up over the last 32 games.  With a week off (save for the all-star game), the trio should be as rested as possible.  Look for more offensive production as we get into the trip.

Who's In Goal?

Marty Turco is going to start Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets, and his performance in net may well dictate how coach Joel Quenneville handles his goalies from here on out.

Corey Crawford, who has played well and deserves to be the starter, looked out of sorts as the break arrived.  If he plays well, one would think he could get half the starts on this trip.  I can't see Quenneville keeping him on the bench against Dallas, and he shut out Edmonton in November.

Quenneville is likely going to use the next month to audition his playoff goalie.  Turco lost that job in November, but that doesn't mean he can't win it back.  Is Turco being given a last chance by the organization?

The best case scenario is that Crawford comes back from the break in top form, Turco gets a second wind when given the chance, and the club starts piling up points.

Will The Weather Play A Factor?

The Mid West is currently being hit with a lot of snow, and more is forecast for this week.  Will mother nature keep the 'Hawks from getting to Vancouver for Friday night's contest?

Suppose the 'Hawks can't get out of Columbus until Friday?  A tough road game with the Western Conference leaders just gets a bit tougher.

Stan Bowman: Deal Or No Deal?

Chicago's fortunes on this road trip may allow him to stand pat, or force him to bring in help.  If the 'Hawks play well, he may choose to save his draft picks and prospects and let the team go down the stretch as they are.  If the team takes it's lumps, it might tip his hand on the matter.

The Trip Is A Success If...

...we put up seven points.  I think another 4-2 road trip would be incredible considering the games with division leaders.  3-2-1 would be acceptable and would be enough to set the tone for the remainder of the season.

Anything under the break-even point and I think the front office may feel duty-bound to make some moves if the 'Hawks want to defend the Stanley Cup in the playoffs.

Is this trip make or break for the Blackhawks?  You decide.