Chicago Blackhawks: The Biggest Game of the Season Is the Next One

The Chicago Blackhawks have 11 games remaining heading into Sunday's visit to Phoenix.  Thanks in part to their play in the first 71, there is little wiggle room if they wish to extend the season in April.

Forget about catching Detroit.  Stop building up the three games left with the Red Wings.

The most important game of the season will be with the team in front of them in each of these last 11 contests.

Unless you believe that there is an impending collapse brewing in the Motor City, the Central Division title isn't going to be in the cards.  Detroit is a veteran club, they've won four in a row and they are ten points ahead of us.  Watching the scoreboard may pass the time, but it isn't going to propel us up the standings.

However Chicago arrived at this point (pick an excuse—cup hangover, slow-developing chemistry, bad bounces, bad calls, difficult schedule, sunspots), the key is to determine where the 'Hawks are and what they must do to survive and battle on in the playoffs.

With 84 points, the Blackhawks are still closer to falling out of the top eight (two points) than they are to a home playoff series (five points).  Minnesota and Columbus have fallen out of contention, but there are still six teams waging war over what amounts to five playoff spots.

The 'Hawks had their opportunity to distance themselves from Dallas, and were embarrassed.  Phoenix, who currently sits in the four spot, is five points in front of the Blackhawks.  A win closes the gap.  A loss may mean saying goodbye to any possibility of home-ice fantasies.

Chicago has just one more game against another Western team of their ilk (Anaheim next Saturday), but can't look forward to that game, let alone the three remaining Detroit showdowns.  The 'Hawks have to deal with the schedule one game at a time.

Florida, Columbus and St. Louis have to be given the same respect and effort afforded to the Detroit squad we are lagging well behind.  Take the title of "Biggest Game Of The Season" and apply it to each game left on the calender.

How will the 'Hawks' roster look in the season's final three weeks?  If this week is any indication, it's going to be incomplete and it's going to be exhausted.

We may have seen the last of Dave Bolland for this season.  There doesn't seem to be any progress from the cheap shot he took last week in Tampa.  Brian Campbell's foot may not be 100 percent, but it looks like he could limp back into the lineup by Wednesday's game with the Florida Panthers, if not sooner. 

This leaves the 'Hawks in defensive limbo.

They seem to think that John Scott can be an effective rear guard, but won't play him equal minutes as the other five defensemen.  If the "Murdersaurus" can go out and prove he can skate 15 minutes a night, I'll stop harping about calling up Jassen Cullimore, whom I think can skate those minutes as the sixth blue-liner.  If not, recall someone from Rockford who can skate a full share of shifts.

Corey Crawford has looked weary and needs to sit, period.  Coach Joel Quennville may start him in Phoenix to show he still believes in his rookie after being pulled in Dallas.  If Marty Turco doesn't start either Sunday or Wednesday against Florida, whom he shut out in relief of Crawford, I would be searching for a plausible reason why.

The schedule is relatively light for the next few games, with two nights off to prepare for the Phoenix Coyotes as well as their next two opponents.  This is probably the last chance for Chicago to get a collective second wind.

The Blackhawks have a lot going for them right now despite the above issues.  Jonathan Toews is, well, Jonathan Toews and the first line is leading the way as it should.  Marian Hossa has been skating as strong as he has this season.  Ryan Johnson continues to stay in the lineup, winning face-offs and providing valuable minutes at center.

Chris Campoli has come in and logged crucial minutes on defense.  He definitely plays it fast and loose, but I shudder to think what the 'Hawks would do without his minutes.  Niklas Hjalmarsson is looking as healthy as a guy who blocks as many pucks as he does can look.  

We have little chance to catch the Detroit Red Wings, but the ultimate goal in front of Chicago is the playoffs.  Fortunately, the 'Hawks still have control of their post-season fate.

It's right in front of them, one opponent at a time, for the next 11 games.