Leaving a three-game series with the Predators only two points in tow, the Blackhawks have fallen to sixth place in the NHL Central Division. They’re three points behind the Stars, who have a game in hand. They’re five points behind Nashville, although Chicago has a game in hand. Either way, the Blackhawks have eight games to make up ground. Or to start giving the kids more ice time and develop talent with the playoffs escaping — it was not the intention at the beginning of the season anyway.
A real test comes on Tuesday, as the Blackhawks face the team that dragged them up and down the ice at the beginning of the season in the Lightning.