Why they need the win.

The Chicago Blackhawks continue their nine-game road trip tonight as they take on the Colorado Avalanche at 8:00pm (CT).  One thing Hawks fans are hoping won’t continue is this trail of tears losing streak.

Three games in, and I can’t even say that the Blackhawks have “suffered” three losses, because the truth is, they deserve it.  This is not the standard of a playoff worthy team.  After an embarrassing 4-8 loss to the Edmonton Oilers last week, it’s clear to players and fans that something needs to change.  Defense slipping, the only real light from this situation has been goalkeeper Ray Emery, who will start in the net tonight against the Avalanche, having proven to head coach Joel Quenneville that he can be a consistent force between the poles.

Colorado is where the Blackhawks need to rally and turn this road trip around.  Currently holding the No. 6 spot in the conference, the Chicago team cannot afford to slip any lower at this point in the season.  Fortunately, there isn’t much of a spread between the top ranked teams in the Western Conference right now, but Colorado is where the Blackhawks need to pull out the W, get their confidence back, and focus on their game to lock in that playoff spot.  Especially when No. 3 San Jose is waiting to take on the Chicago team this Friday.

The Chicago Blackhawks take on the Colorado Avalanche tonight at 8:00PM (CT) in the Pepsi Center.  The Avalanche currently hold the No. 12 spot in the WC.  If Colorado wins tonight, it would be their third straight win this season against the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks/Avalanche record this season: