GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Blackhawks had 10 days to prepare for an Arizona Coyotes team that occupies the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference. It was a game they knew they needed to win to set the tone coming out of the break and going into the stretch run.
Before the hiatus, the Blackhawks had won 11 of their last 16 games and five of their past six. They were feeling themselves and rightfully so. Not only were they getting the desired results, but they were playing their best hockey of the season.
After resting and recharging their batteries, the Blackhawks picked up exactly where they left off and came out flying on Saturday to defeat the Coyotes 3-2 in a shootout.