Chicago Blackhawks: Two Streaks Must End in San Jose--That's a Tall Order

The Chicago Blackhawks have had several days to collect their thoughts as they prepare to undertake the California portion of the team's circus trip. To start righting the ship after a disastrous weekend in Alberta, the 'Hawks must put an end to two streaks in San Jose Wednesday night.

A Chicago win means putting an end to their current two-game skid. It would also halt the Sharks' three game winning streak.

To turn things around on the road, the Blackhawks have chosen a formidable opponent.

San Jose is on top of the Pacific Division heading into the contest with 25 points. The Sharks could tie Chicago's point total tonight even though the 'Hawks would have three games in hand.

Unlike the Blackhawks, San Jose took care of road opposition last weekend with 4-1 victories over both Dallas and Colorado. They also have a win over Detroit in their current streak.

Chicago comes into the HP Pavilion to face a team that is 7-2-1 over it's last 10 games. Antti Niemi is sure to get the start in net. Corey Crawford will have to be at the top of his game to match saves with the former 'Hawks goalie. Niemi has won his last four starts and has a .946 save percentage in that span.

The Sharks also have a potent offense and a top-five power play. Joe Thornton has seven points in his last three games.

The 'Hawks need to get back to their winning ways. They picked a hell of a team to have to do that against.

The Sharks will send their regular lineup onto the ice Wednesday. The Blackhawks, well, fans can keep their fingers crossed. Brent Seabrook and Michael Frolik both skated in Tuesday's practice, though they are questionable for action with the Sharks.

Both Seabrook and Frolik would help to solidify a shaky defense that gave up 14 goals over the weekend without them in the lineup. It would also help if Joel Quenneville would fill out the lineup with six actual defensemen.

If I was trying to shut down a high-flying opponent and had my full lineup at my disposal, the three scratches for Wednesday would be Sean O'Donnell, Bryan Bickell and John Scott. Seabrook's knee and Frolik's shoulder may keep that from happening, but any lineup that sees Scott skating instead of Sami Lepisto or even O'Donnell is flawed.

The key for the 'Hawks is to make better decisions, take care of the puck and stay in the game early. These are simple concepts, but ones that escaped the club throughout the weekend.

The Blackhawks had a few days to mull over what has to be a disappointing stretch of the season. Time to get back on the winning side of the scoreboard Wednesday—even against a hot team like the Sharks.