Hawks prove a year can make big difference

At this point one year ago, the Blackhawks were coming off a 3-1 loss in Nashville that dropped their record to 16-17-5.

Things never got better.

The Hawks eventually limped through the new year with a 15-25-4 mark and missed the playoffs - again.

My, how times have changed.

This season, behind the play of their youngsters and some key veterans - along with a recharged fan base that has the United Center roaring again (Sunday's 21,175 was the largest crowd in six years) - the Hawks are off to a 19-15-3 start that has them squarely in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference.

Despite a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to Los Angeles on Sunday, one that snapped a four-game winning streak and left them with a 5-6-1 mark in December, Hawks coach Denis Savard is ringing in 2008 brimming with confidence.

"Big time," Savard said. "It's been great … but we have to continue."

That'll be quite a challenge.

After finishing a December that was laden with home games, the Hawks begin the new year with nine of their 14 games this month on the road - starting with Tuesday night's rematch with the Kings at the Staples Center (9:30 p.m.).

"We're taking the show on the road, and going back against L.A. It should be a good game," Savard said. "We want to start the road trip on the right foot and continue to play the game for 60 minutes.

"If we do, we'll be all right."

That might be a big if.

Rookie Jonathan Toews panned his team's effort in the final 20 minutes of Sunday's loss to the Kings after the Hawks blew a 2-0 third-period lead. He was not a happy camper afterward, but did take solace in the fact that revenge could be had Tuesday night.

"Absolutely," Toews said. "We're going to be ready for it. It's kind of nice when you get a chance right away. Hopefully we'll do better than we did (Sunday)."

"We're both going to make adjustments," said goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. "We've got to go to their building and have the kind of effort we did (Sunday) and play a little smarter, and hopefully we'll get 2 points there."

The Hawks finished the 2007 portion of their schedule just above .500 on the road (7-6-2) and will need to regroup quickly from Sunday's disappointment if they are to succeed against some of the best of the West - including San Jose, Colorado (twice) and defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim.

"We have to continue to play the way we have the last little while," Savard said. "Even though in the month of December we went on a little skid, I felt that we still played well. We have to bring that energy on the road now.

"It's tougher to win on the road, but sometimes you keep the game plan more intact when you go on the road. Hopefully we'll do that."

Tuesday's faceoff

Blackhawks vs. Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center, 9:30 p.m. Tuesday

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

The skinny: In what may be a make-or-break month, the Hawks kick off the first of nine road games in January with a rematch against Los Angeles. And revenge will be on the Hawks' minds after the Kings overcame a 2-0 deficit in the third period to win 3-2 in overtime Sunday at the United Center.

Player to watch: Dustin Brown. The Kings' right wing captain is on a roll. His 2 goals - including the game-winner - against the Hawks on Sunday have him at a career-best 18 for the season.

Next: Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena, 8 p.m. Thursday

- Mike Spellman