The Blackhawks enjoyed a well-deserved day off today -- if you can call flying from Los Angeles to Chicago a day off.
Regardless, they didn't take the ice the day after concluding their six-game road trip with a 2-1 shootout loss to the Kings on Saturday night.
The Hawks finished the trip with a 4-1-1 mark and have come out of the journey with some momentum and positive feelings about where they stand a little over a quarter into the season.
"We like our team in a lot of ways," coach Joel Quenneville said after the loss to the Kings. "We have a lot of options as far as putting lines together and special teams. Our goaltenders this trip were great.
"We should be excited about getting better. We're not satisfied with where we're at. There are areas we can improve, but certainly we like all our options."
Even with the 4-1-1 trip and a recent eight-game winning streak, the Hawks still are tied for second in the Western Conference with the Calgary Flames. Both teams have 35 points and trail the Sharks (38 points). Four teams are within four points of the Hawks and Flames.
"It will always be like that," Quenneville said. "It's going to be very competitive. If you look ... every team is in the race. Fifteen teams right now. It will probably get sorted out in Game 82."
Get our updates on 
Leave a comment