As luck of scheduling has it, the Blackhawks open the second half of the season with a six-game road trip against teams they could easily face in the postseason. RedEye assesses the threat level of each opponent should they collide with the Hawks come playoff time (on a scale of 1 to 5).
Wednesday at Los Angeles
Threat level: 4
The Kings ousted the Hawks in 2014, and they could do it again. Also, a Jonathan Quick-Corey Crawford staring contest would be epic.
Friday at Anaheim
Threat level: 3
The offensive firepower's there, for sure. But can the Ducks get past their own division rivals?
Saturday at San Jose
Threat level: 1
Now that Joe Thornton isn't there to goad Jonathan Toews into fights, this would be smooth sailing.
Tuesday at Minnesota
Threat level: 2
This team just doesn't score enough goals to scare Blackhawks Nation too much.
Feb. 6 at Winnipeg
Threat level: 5
For some reason, the Hawks are 0-3 against the Jets this season. Plus, losing to Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien would really sting.
Feb. 8 at St. Louis
Threat level: 4
Would the Hawks be confident after eliminating the Blues last year? Yes. Could St. Louis find the breaks going its way this time? Absolutely.