Chicago

It's very easy to see what's happening to Jonathan Toews right now, after an awful performance from the young Blackhawks' captain has his club in a very "serious" 3-1 hole against arch-rival Detroit.

For all of the supposed depth the Chicago Blackhawks possess throughout their talented lineup, such didn't seem to be the case Saturday as they were thumped by their biggest rivals in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

The Chicago Blackhawks have been looking for some offensive punch in the middle of their second forward line for ages. The organization has a player who can potentially fill that role. As the regular season winds down, it's time to kick the tires on prospect Brandon Pirri.

The Chicago Blackhawks have sewn up the top seed in the Western Conference. Last night's overtime win over Nashville gave them eight straight wins. The 'Hawks honored longtime announcer Pat Foley Friday night.

How about throwing a bone to a journeyman goalie Saturday?

The Chicago Blackhawks are flying high as the regular season winds down, but there are still areas of concern with this hockey team. I may be getting older but I don't think my memory is working against me just yet when it comes to the 'Hawks' ineptitude on the man advantage.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig is not a particularly skilled hockey player. He certainly wasn't an indispensable part of the 'Hawks juggernaut that feasted upon the Western Conference over the past two months.

That said, the guy isn't a worthless hockey player.

Twenty-four times it was attempted to no avail.

Twenty-four times did the Chicago Blackhawks begin a brand new hockey game and skate away 60 minutes later with at least a point.

The Chicago Blackhawks have an opportunity to accomplish something special with a win over the Vancouver Canucks Tuesday night. A victory means two more points for the team leading the Western Conference.

Getting caught up in the pursuit of anything else is of little consequence.

Unless you've been living under a rock (and even if you have if your rock has the Internet), you know that the 'Hawks can match the NHL record for consecutive games earning points to start a season.

I'm sure the crowd at the United Center will be well aware of that when the teams hit the ice.

The Chicago Blackhawks get the second half of a six-game road trip underway Tuesday when the puck drops in San Jose. Two teams currently atop ESPN's NHL Power Rankings square off at the HP Pavilion in what should be a stiff test for both teams.

For the 'Hawks, the Sharks are an early season test, but that's all this game is.

The Chicago Blackhawks have dropped two straight shootouts in their last two contests. The next time the 'Hawks can't settle the score in regulation or overtime, they may want to try another skater at the end of the order.

Specifically, I'm suggesting coach Joel Quenneville replace Patrick Sharp with Marian Hossa. Come on, Q, at least give it some thought.