The Chicago Blackhawks ride a seven-game win streak into a three-game slate this week that includes a back-to-back on the road. The Hawks open the week against Central Division foe Nashville at home before packing their bags and passports for Canada to face Montreal and Toronto. They close out the week against Montreal on Sunday at home. Let’s take a look at the upcoming week in Blackhawks’ hockey (all times Central):
Monday – Off day
A fairly light Monday around the NHL with just four games. The Bruins visit the Rangers for an Original-Six matchup on NHL Network, while the red-hot Panthers head to British Columbia to play Vancouver. Calgary hosts San Jose in the only divisional matchup, and the Kings host the Red Wings in late-night action.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: Idle
Tuesday – Predators at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (CSN-C)
The Hawks host the Predators for their first game this week. Chicago is riding a seven-game win streak, while the fifth-place Predators have dropped their past three games. Nashville won the last game in the series, 5-1. Elsewhere, there are two Metropolitan Division match ups with Columbus visiting the Islanders and Carolina hosting Pittsburgh.
IceHogs: Rockford hosts Chicago Wolves, 7 p.m.
Central Division: NJ at STL, BUF at MIN, SJ at WPG, TBL at COL
Wednesday – Off day
Another day off for the Hawks and a slow one in general for the league. Just four games Wednesday, highlighted by Boston in Philadelphia on NBCSN. Florida and Calgary face off in Alberta, while Ottawa visits Anaheim for the nightcap.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: Idle
Thursday – Blackhawks at Canadiens, 6:30 p.m. (NBCSN, CSN-C)
The Hawks head to Montreal for the only time this season. The Habs are coming off a disappointing December where they posted a 3-11 record, including a six-game losing streak. Since the calendar flipped over the 2016, they’ve gone 2-2 with a 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh at home in their last game. Chicago won the last meeting, 4-3. Elsewhere on the schedule, there’s the Battle of New York in Brooklyn and the Predators facing off against the Jets in a Central Division matchup.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: CAR at STL, NSH at WPG, NJ at COL
Friday – Blackhawks at Maple Leafs, 6 p.m. (NHLN-US, CSN-C)
The Hawks complete the back-to-back against the Maple Leafs in Toronto. The Leafs have been outscored 9-1 in their last two games, including a 7-0 shutout against San Jose. Chicago won the last game in the series, 4-0, on Dec. 21, 2014. Elsewhere, the Bruins visit Buffalo and Carolina hosts Vancouver.
IceHogs: Rockford hosts San Jose, 7 p.m.
Central Division: WPG at MIN, DAL at ANA
Saturday – Off day
The Hawks are off, but there are 10 games on the schedule for your viewing pleasure. The Rangers and Flyers start the slate in Philadelphia with a rivalry game then there’s the Capitals and the Sabres in Buffalo. Montreal, the Hawks’ next opponent, will be in St. Louis to take on the Blues. Nashville hosts Minnesota in a Central Division matchup, while the Flames visit Edmonton for the Battle for Alberta.
IceHogs: Rockford hosts Stockton Flames, 7 p.m.
Central Division: COL at CBJ, MTL at STL, MIN at NSH, DAL at SJ
Sunday – Canadiens at Blackhawks, 6 p.m. (WGN)
The week concludes with the Hawks completing the season series against Montreal at United Center. It’ll be the second time in three days the two teams will face off. Montreal will be playing the second half of a back-to-back this time having played in St. Louis the night before.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: Idle