Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Ways to Take Advantage of a Gift Schedule in December

The Chicago Blackhawks did not take care of business in their return to the United Center Tuesday.

That can't continue to happen if the 'Hawks are to stay near the top of the conference standings in December.

Chicago enters this month in the fourth spot in the Western Conference after a listless home loss to Phoenix. It could plummet down the board if it can't take advantage of a favorable schedule over the next few weeks.

Nine of Chicago's next 13 games will be at the Madhouse on Madison, where the Blackhawks are 7-2-2 in the 2011-12 season. The 'Hawks were a little better than mediocre in November with a 7-6-1 mark. There can't be a repeat of that in December if Chicago is to stay among the conference leaders.

Here are five ways the 'Hawks can capitalize on their December schedule.

Bring Their Best Every Night

The 'Hawks have to keep claiming two points when two points are attainable. That should be on most of these upcoming December nights.

Whether it's a home game with struggling teams like the Islanders, Ducks, Flames and Blue Jackets or matchups with San Jose and Detroit, Chicago has to be ready to play, unlike Tuesday's loss.

The Blackhawks get another shot at Phoenix in the United Center this Monday. Hopefully the Coyotes won't be able to come back into Chicago and push the 'Hawks around.

Chicago has tough road games like Saturday night in St. Louis to go with a December 14th date with the conference-leading Wild. They also head to Pittsburgh on December 20th.

The month culminates with the first four games of a five-game home stand. By the time the 'Hawks tangle with the Kings and Red Wings on the 28th and 30th, respectively, we should know how this team stands and what pieces will need to be collected. 

Tighten Up Defensively

The 'Hawks need to work as a team to accomplish this.

From the forwards through the blue line and into the crease, Chicago is in need of a renewed sense of pride on defense. That means playing in position, limiting scoring chances and making a big play to bail out a teammate once in a while.

The Blackhawks are one of the worst teams in goals allowed. The penalty kill is abysmal. It's hard to pin on one player, so everyone has to pitch in and help be part of a monthlong progression toward a solution.

The checking line of Dave Bolland, Michael Frolik and Brian Bickell may get another shot at being the shutdown line they were when the season opened. Marcus Kruger looks like he's going to get some time on the second line, which could improve the overall defense if he responds to more minutes.

Get Some Consistiency from the Bottom Six

Chipping in on the scoreboard would be nice, but more important than points is steady play from the lower lines.

Daniel Carcillo will have to look to skate on that fine edge between undisciplined play and being too passive on the ice. Bickell needs to recommit himself to a role on the checking line, a spot he may get a chance to return to Friday against the Islanders.

It looks like Andrew Brunette is going to stay on the fourth line for now. Can he help the bottom six forwards to some more consistent performances?

Get Physical in Front of the Net and on the Forecheck

Chicago has to take ownership of the front of the net in both zones.

With Marcus Kruger getting a shot at centering the second line, the 'Hawks may also attempt to be more aggressive on the forecheck in December.

Limiting the traffic in front of Crawford also wouldn't hurt from a defensive standpoint.

Give the New Lines a Chance to Develop Chemistry

Joel Quenneville has reshuffled the deck up front. Patrick Kane is back at the side of Jonathan Toews. Kruger centers Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp. It looks as if Bolland, Bickell and Frolik are going to get the chance to rekindle the magic of earlier this season.

How long does this last? Kruger, especially, will need a few games in the top six to get an idea of how he'll handle his new role.

The Blackhawks have the opportunity to claim 18-20 points before the new year arrives. Reaching that total depends on how Chicago rights the ship after an uneven couple of weeks.