Blackhawks week ahead: Chicago returns from All-Star break

The Chicago Blackhawks make their return from the All-Star break with three games, including two against Central Division opponents. Chicago begins the week in Colorado without captain Jonathan Toews as he serves a one-game suspension before traveling to sunny Arizona and Dallas.

Let's take a look at the upcoming week in Blackhawks' hockey (all times Central):

Monday - AHL All-Star Challenge, 6 p.m. (CSN-C +)

NHL players get one final day to rest up before the second half begins. The AHL will play its All-Star Challenge in Syracuse, N.Y.

Central Division: Idle

Tuesday - Blackhawks at Avalanche, 8 p.m. (CSN-C)

The Chicago Blackhawks return to action with captain Jonathan Toews serving a one-game suspension for missing the All-Star when they visit the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado has slowly climbed themselves out of the cellar and into fourth place.

Elsewhere, the Battle of the Sunshine State takes center stage on NBCSN, while the Hudson River rivalry will be in New Jersey. There are two games featuring a Central Division match with St. Louis staying in Nashville and the Stars traveling north of the border to Winnipeg.

Central Division: MIN at NYI, STL at NSH, DAL at WPG

Wednesday - Off day

A jam packed day on the schedule with three games! Buffalo visits Montreal and Carolina is in Calgary. The feature game on NBCSN will be the Red Wings in Tampa Bay against the Lightning.

Central Division: Idle

Thursday - Blackhawks at Coyotes, 8 p.m. (CSN-C)

Chicago should have Toews back in the lineup when they face Arizona. The Blackhawks held on to win the first game between the two teams at Gila River Arena this season, 7-5, on Dec. 29.

Elsewhere, there are 11 games on the schedule, including a doubleheader on NBCSN. The Islanders visit the Capitals in the early game and the Kings host the Ducks in the nightcap.

IceHogs: Idle

Central Division: MIN at NYR, SJ at STL, PHI at NSH, DAL at COL

Friday - Off Day

Another thrilling day with four games on the schedule. The feature game will be Pittsburgh visiting Tampa Bay on NHL Network. Winnipeg hosts Carolina, Columbus visits Calgary and Arizona is in Anaheim for the other games.

IceHogs: Rockford hosts Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Central Division: CAR at WPG

Saturday - Blackhawks at Stars, 7 p.m. (NHLN, WGN)

Chicago heads to Dallas to complete their first week of the second half. Dallas shut out the Blackhawks, 4-0, on Dec. 22 at Chicago.

Elsewhere, there are 11 games on the schedule with the Rangers and Flyers facing off in Philadelphia on NHL Network at noon. The Maple Leafs are in Ottawa for Ontario bragging rights, while Minnesota visits St. Louis and Winnipeg hosts Colorado in Central Division match ups. The Flames also visit Vancouver in a Pacific Division clash.

IceHogs: Rockford visits Grand Rapids, 6 p.m.

Central Division: MIN at STL, SJ at NSH, WPG at COL

Sunday - Off Day

Take two. The Capitals host the Flyers in the first game of season on NBC Sunday. The Capitals were suppose to host the first game on NBC but the major snowstorm that hit the east coast postponed the game. Carolina visits Montreal and Edmonton is in Brooklyn as all games get done before shield ball begins.

IceHogs: Idle