Blackhawks week ahead: Chicago looks to extend its Central Division lead

The Chicago Blackhawks begin a four-game homestand with three games this week all against Western Conference teams. Chicago hosts San Jose (Tuesday), Dallas (Thursday) and Anaheim (Saturday). The Blackhawks will look increase its Central Division lead over Dallas, and continue its three-game win streak.

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

Monday - Off day

There are four games on the schedule with only one Western Conference team -- Anaheim -- in action against Pittsburgh. The Devils travel to Madison Square Garden to face the Rangers, the Lighting head to Ottawa and Detroit hosts Florida.

IceHogs: Idle

Central Division: Idle

Tuesday - Sharks at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (CSN-C)

Chicago begins its homestand against San Jose. The Hawks will eye a season sweep over the Sharks, who they beat 4-3 on Dec. 20 at United Center and 5-3 on Nov. 25 during the annual circus trip.

IceHogs: Idle

Central Division: WPG at STL, WSH at NSH, DAL at MIN, VAN at COL

Wednesday - Off day

There are three games on the schedule highlighted by the Rangers in Pittsburgh on NBCSN. Ottawa visits Detroit and Arizona hosts Vancouver in the other games.

IceHogs: Idle

Central Division: Idle

Thursday - Stars at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (CSN-C)

Chicago looks for its second win in less than a week against Dallas when the Stars visit the United Center. The Hawks grabbed a dominant 5-1 victory over the Stars last Saturday in Dallas. A win here would increase the division lead even more.

Elsewhere, the Capitals visit the struggling Wild and Toronto is in Edmonton and the Flames are in San Jose for the night cap.

IceHogs: Idle

Central Division: COL at OTT, WSH at MIN, BOS at WPG

Friday - Off Day

There are seven games on tap, including a 2014 Stanley Cup Final rematch at Madison Square Garden. Colorado visits Detroit for its only game before the two lock up at Coors Field for the Stadium Series later this season. Nashville visits Tampa Bay for a high-paced game and the Blues travel to Florida.

IceHogs: Rockford visits Milwaukee, 7 p.m.

Central Division: COL at DET, NSH at TB, STL at FLA

Saturday - Ducks at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (CSNC)

Chicago completes its three-game homestand this week with a matchup against Anaheim. The Hawks skated away with a 3-2 victory in the last meeting Nov. 27 at Anaheim.

There are nine other games on the schedule. The Capitals are in Dallas for what should be the most exciting game, while the Jets are in Edmonton and the exact opposite is expected. Toronto in Vancouver and Ottawa in Columbus also figure to be dull games.

IceHogs: Idle

Central Division: BOS at MIN, NSH at FLA, WSH at DAL, WPG at EDM

Sunday - Off Day

It's a NBC doubleheader of sorts with the Bruins and Red Wings on NBC at 2 p.m. and the Flyers and Rangers in the nightcap on NBCSN at 6:30 p.m. Colorado visits Buffalo and New Jersey hosts Los Angeles in the two early games, while the Blues visit Tampa Bay right before the NBCSN game.

IceHogs: Rockford hosts Grand Rapids, 4 p.m.

Central Division: COL at BUF, STL at TB