Chicago Blackhawks Insider: A Look Ahead at the February Schedule

The month of February is just about here and the Blackhawks need to have a strong month in order to position themselves for make a run towards the playoffs.  They have been playing well for the most part and hopefully they will be able to continue winning as they head into and through the month of February.

So, without further delay, let’s take a look at the Blackhawks schedule in February and see how things might come out.

Feb. 1: Chicago at Columbus

The Blackhawks ended up winning this game 7-4 and helped keep the Blue Jackets behind them in the rankings.  

Feb. 4: Chicago at Vancouver

This will be the third meeting between these two teams this season and the Blackhawks have won two of those three games.  The Canucks are playing some pretty good hockey right now and may give the Blackhawks some problems but they do have a two-game edge on the Canucks and have played them hard.  Hopefully Chicago will be able to win this game and set a good tone for the rest of the month.

Feb. 7: Chicago at Calgary

The Blackhawks will continue playing on the road with a visit to Calgary to play the Flames.  This is the second meeting between these two teams and they have split those two games.  The Flames are sitting second from the bottom in the Northwest Division right now and so Chicago should take advantage and grab a win here.

Feb. 9: Chicago at Edmonton

Yet another game on the road for the Blackhawks as they head north to take on the Oilers.  This will be the third meeting between these two teams this year and the Oilers hold a two to one advantage over the Blackhawks this year.  The Oilers are sitting at the bottom of the Northwest Division right now and it would appear as if the 'Hawks could easily take them on and win but the Oilers have had their number this year so a win is not guaranteed.

Feb. 11: Chicago at Dallas

The Blackhawks will head down south to take on the Stars for the second time this season and these teams have split the first two games that they played against one another this season.  The Stars are sitting at the top of the Pacific Division at the time of this writing and are a difficult team to beat.  If they come into this game hot, the Blackhawks may struggle to beat them but if they can beat Dallas it would be a good test and a win that could help them position for a shot at the playoffs.

Feb. 12: Chicago at Phoenix

Chicago will continue its long road trip by traveling to Phoenix to take on the Coyotes.  Chicago and Phoenix have met just once this season and that ended up being a victory for the Coyotes.  Phoenix is currently sitting at third in the Pacific Division and is a team that the Blackhawks can beat and need to in order to keep moving ahead to the postseason.  Expect this to be a very good game as the Blackhawks close out their long and hopefully successful road trip.

Feb. 16: Minnesota at Chicago

The Blackhawks will play their first home game in a while against the Wild in the middle of February.  These teams have played two games so far this season with each team winning one game.  Minnesota is sitting third in the Northwestern Division right now and can be beaten.  The Blackhawks just have to be on top of their game especially as they come home after being gone so long.

Feb. 18: Columbus at Chicago

This will be the fourth meeting between these two teams and the Blackhawks hold a 3-1 edge in those four meetings.   Columbus isn’t playing solid hockey at this time and in the game these two teams last played (at the beginning of the month) the 'Hawks really played well against them.  With good effort, this could be another win by Chicago.

Feb. 20: Pittsburgh at Chicago

One of the best teams in the NHL will come to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks and this will be a good test for Chicago.  Both teams will be fighting for playoff positioning heading into this game so expect both of them to go all out for this contest but can the Blackhawks overcome this powerful Pittsburgh team and win?

Feb. 21: Chicago at St. Louis

Another fierce game between two rivals will take place when the Blackhawks travel to St. Louis to take on the Blues.  This will be the fifth meeting between these teams this season and both teams will come in tied winning two apiece.  There is no doubt that the Blues, who are currently sitting second from the bottom in the NHL Central, should be an easy win for the 'Hawks, as they keep marching toward the playoffs.

Feb. 24: Chicago at Nashville

The Blackhawks will take on division rival Nashville for the sixth time this season.  The Blackhawks are behind in this series so far and have lost three out of the first five games that these teams have played and Chicago will have its work cut out.  
The Predators are second in the NHL Central at the time of this writing, three points ahead of the 'Hawks in the standings and Chicago needs to win this game to help keep pace with them and get into the playoffs.  This will be one of the most important games of the month for both teams if they come in tied like they are now.

Feb. 27: Phoenix at Chicago

The Blackhawks will play the Coyotes for the second time in February and for the third time (counting their game on the Feb. 12) this season.  In the only game that these two teams have played against one another before February the Coyotes beat the 'Hawks.  Phoenix is sitting second from the bottom in the Pacific Division but they aren’t playing too badly right now and could give the 'Hawks problems.

Chicago needs to win this game so look for them to be up and ready to play for this as they prepare to close out the month of February.

Feb. 28: Chicago at Minnesota

The Blackhawks will close out the month by travelling north to Minnesota to take on the Wild.  This will be the second time this month that these two teams have met and will have played each other four times by the time that this game takes place.  In the games that these two teams have played, they have both won one game and the Wild are currently sitting second in the Northwest Division and will give the 'Hawks all that they can handle.

If Chicago wants to close out the month of February strong and continue driving towards the playoffs they need to win this game.