Next eight games loom large for Blackhawks
Blackhawks coach Denis Savard hates to look too far ahead, but even he sees the importance of the next eight games.
Starting tonight in St. Louis, the Hawks play their next eight games against Central Division opponents -- two each with St. Louis, Nashville, Columbus and Detroit.
"We hope we have a good eight games here coming up because that could be a key to our season," Savard said.
The Hawks are shooting to go 6-2, which would give them a 12-8 record a quarter of the way into the season.
So far the Hawks are 2-2 in division games, with both victories coming against Detroit. They have lost to St. Louis and Columbus at the United Center.
"So far we haven't started too well against the division, but starting (tonight) we have to change things and make a big jump," defenseman Brent Sopel said. "These are all 4-point games.
"It's never too early to say this is a key stretch for us."
The Red Wings still appear to be the class of the division, but after that things look to be somewhat equal for the first time in a long time.
The Blue Jackets are off to a 7-3-2 start and have the best defensive numbers in the NHL, led by goalie Pascal Leclaire (6-2, 1.25 goals-against average).
The Hawks and Blues have upgraded their rosters as well with youth and experience. Nashville has struggled and was 5-7 before Friday's game at Edmonton. Time will tell how much the Predators miss the injured Steve Sullivan (back surgery) and the departed Peter Forsberg, Paul Kariya, Kimmo Timonen, Tomas Vokoun and Scott Hartnell.
The Predators will face the Hawks on Sunday at the United Center.
"I think everybody has improved and Detroit is still going to be great," Savard said, assessing the division, in particular the Hawks, Blues and Blue Jackets.
The Red Wings are 11-2-1 led by Henrik Zetterberg's 12 goals and Pavel Datsyuk's 14 assists. Zetterberg already has 5 power-play goals. Detroit has played only two games so far in the Central, both losses to the Hawks, but is 7-0 against the Northwest Division.
"When I look at Detroit, you won't see them in that many losing streaks," Savard said. "That's because they have Zetterberg, Datsyuk and (defenseman Nicklas) Lidstrom, which are big, big-time players with experience. I think these three guys alone are able to push their team to another level. That's what we're trying to get to. It's just three guys, but it's a lot. It makes a big difference."
The Hawks would like to think they are developing similar big-time talent in Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, and that a healthy Martin Havlat fits into that category as well.
The Blues have been a very good team ever since Andy Murray took over as head coach midway through last season.
Kariya, signed as a free agent away from Nashville, has 15 points in 11 games, goalie Manny Legace has 5 wins and a .921 save percentage and the team defense is fifth in the NHL.
"They've improved tremendously," Savard said. "(Keith) Tkachuk is back, Kariya is there and their defense has played some good hockey for them. They've made some huge changes and are a good, solid team that is well coached.
"It's going to be a tough game, but where's the easy game? I look at my calendar for the season and can't find any."
Scouting report
Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
The skinny: The Blues lead the season series 1-0, having won 3-1 on Oct. 17 at the United Center. The Blues are 6-4 and fresh off an impressive 3-2 win at Minnesota on Thursday. They have not lost consecutive games all season. Goalie Manny Legace is 5-3 with a 2.13 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. Nikolai Khabibulin starts in goal for the Hawks, who are 3-2 on the road. Blues rookie defenseman Erik Johnson might return from a foot injury.
Player to watch: Brad Boyes. The Blues' center already has 9 goals, including 3 on the power play.
Next: Nashville Predators at the United Center, Sunday
-- Tim Sassone