The Blackhawks kick off a stretch of eight home games out of their next 10 overall when they take on the Blue Jackets tonight at the United Center.
The Hawks have reeled off seven consecutive wins at home and are coming off a successful circus trip during which they went 4-1-1.
"Especially after a road trip like that, the first game is always important," said goaltender Cristobal Huet, who will make his fourth consecutive start in net for the Hawks. "We need to come hard tonight and have a good game and go from there."
Photo: Hawks goaltender Cristobal Huet stop a shot from the Flames' Rene Bourque. (Jeff McIntosh/AP)
With confidence running high and Columbus playing the second of back-to-back games after defeating the Blues 5-2 on Monday night, the Hawks relaize they can't take this game lightly.
"It's a tricky game coming back for the first time off a trip," coach Joel Quenneville said following the morning skate. "Let's try to recapture the momentum when we played here at home ice and get that feeling back."
Said veteran winger Patrick Sharp, who is still stinging from losing out to the Bulls' Derrick Rose for Chicago Sexiest Athlete in a poll taken by Victoria's Secret: "We're looking forward to playing in front of our fans. We've got a good home record (10-2-1) and a large part of that is because of our fans. It's going to be exciting to get out there for warm-ups and of course the National Anthem."
One-timers: A Hawks victory would give Quenneville the 500th of his coaching career. Is tonight the night? "I hope so," Quenneville said. "I know you're always looking for that next win." ... Marian Hossa will make his debut on home ice. The veteran winger, who returned from offseason shoulder surgery last week in San Jose, has two goals and is a plus-1 in three games.
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