Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Key Players Who Can Help Salvage the Road Trip

The Chicago Blackhawks have their work cut out for them if they hope to break even on their six-game circus trip.

The Blackhawks have two games remaining on the road jaunt, both in Southern California. Chicago takes on Anaheim in a rare Friday afternoon start, then heads to Los Angeles Saturday night.

The 'Hawks are coming off a decent effort in San Jose Wednesday. However, they still have lost the last three games of the road trip after starting off with a big win in Vancouver.

The last time the organization failed to pick up at least six points in a six-game road trip was back in 2003-04. A pair of wins would salvage the trip and get Chicago's arrow pointing up heading into a home-heavy schedule over the next few weeks.

Here are five players to watch for as the 'Hawks hope to reach the break even point this weekend.

1. Brent Seabrook

Seabrook has missed the entire road trip due to a knee injury suffered November 13th against the Oilers. The defense, though it looked better against the Sharks, could use his steady physical presence.

Seabrook skated on Tuesday in practice but was not on the ice in warm ups for Wednesday's game. He also did not skate Thursday, though he could be a game-time decision in Anaheim.

Reunited with long time partner Duncan Keith a few games prior to his injury, a healthy Seabrook in the lineup could provide the impetus for improvement on the blue line. It had looked as if he would make it back to the lineup by this point, but Seabrook remains a day-to-day proposition.

2. Dave Bolland

Bolland still seems hampered a bit by the foot injury that kept him out of three games before the 'Hawks hit the road.

His minutes are coming back up to their normal levels, but Bolland is minus-three in the last four games. He did have a goal in Edmonton, but hasn't looked like himself.

A big weekend from the Rat would be welcome as the Blackhawks try and reel off a pair of victories.

3. Michael Frolik

Frolik, who like Seabrook injured himself by sliding into the boards, is nursing a sore shoulder. He sustained the injury In Chicago's win over the Canucks, missing two games before skating 11 minutes in San Jose.

Frolik is pointless in his last six games. If he can team effectively with Bolland on the checking line, the 'Hawks are that much better on the defensive end. Frolik also may see time on the second line to try and provide a spark to Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp. 

4. Daniel Carcillo

Carcillo has not been as effective as he would like to be, according to comments he made after Thursday's practice to ESPN.com's Jessie Rogers.

His minutes were down in the last two losses to Edmonton and San Jose. Whether he continues playing next to Kane and Sharp or moves down to the fourth line, Carcillo needs to pick it up. That means getting to the net and doing the dirty work, especially when he skates with Kane.

5. Jonathan Toews

I'm not saying that Toews has been dogging it on the road trip, but the team has lost three straight. When you're the captain, your job is to lead your team out of losing streaks.

Friday afternoon is as good a time as any for Toews to help snap the 'Hawks out of their current funk.

Toews hasn't tallied a point in two games. He led a much-improved team effort Wednesday despite an unfortunate deflection off of his stick that resulted in the Sharks winning 1-0.

You can't blame the captain for that. However, you can expect him to get Chicago off to a good start Friday in Anaheim.