Chicago Blackhawks: Lots to Prove in Home-and-Home with Colorado Avalanche

The Chicago Blackhawks take a 3-1-1 record into tonight's confrontation with the Colorado Avalanche—along with a score to settle.

The 'Hawks want to keep up their winning ways but have to contend with a hot Avs team that has won five straight. Colorado sits on top of the Western Conference along with Dallas, whom Chicago has faced both on the road and in the United Center.

The Avalanche won three of four meetings against the 'Hawks last season, including an overtime triumph in Denver on opening night and a home-and-home sweep in December. The road defeat was especially demoralizing, as Chicago dropped a 5-4 lead in the final minutes to lose 7-5.

The Blackhawks have to contend with a team that matches their team speed. In some ways, Colorado resembles the pre-Cup 'Hawks. They're young with some experience and hungry to prove that they're a serious contender in the West.

Young goaltender Semyon Varlamov is the main man in net for the Avs, who return home after a five-game road trip that saw them reel off five wins. The Blackhawks could catch Colorado napping upon returning home, but they can't count on that.

For the first time this season, Chicago comes in with what we believe to be a roster that is completely available to coach Joel Quenneville. One would have to believe that he'll use the same lineup he employed in the 'Hawks 5-2 win in Phoenix.

The Avalanche bring a potent power play to the two games, converting over 31 percent of their time with a man advantage. The 'Hawks penalty kill has given up a lone goal and has a shorthanded tally to boot, so that should be an exciting matchup to watch.

Detroit's 4-0 start means that every October game is important for the Blackhawks. The team looked overwhelmed at times last year in their meetings with Colorado. Hopefully the 'Hawks can turn the tables on the Avs and grab four points after the home-and-home concludes Saturday night.