Chicago Blackhawks: Post-trade deadline reactions into California

Wednesday, Anaheim Ducks

The Blackhawks first stop in California is in a very familiar foe. The Anaheim Ducks are the host on Wednesday night at Honda Center in Anaheim. The Blackhawks will probably look at this one as the most important of the three because it will set the tone for how the rest of the road trip will go. This is likely a must-win California road trip. If they do not win all their games or at least two of the three they could find themselves 8-10 points back of the final spot again.

The Anaheim Ducks are not what they were a few years back. They have aged a bit and are in a similar position to the Blackhawks. An aging core that leads a true bubble team. They started off the season pretty good, and then they just fell off so hard. Their general manager Bob Murray recently fired their head coach Randy Carlyle and took over as interim head coach. This move surprised some people but the team has played a little bit better since the change was made.

They still have their core which should be familiar to Blackhawks fans. Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, and friends are all still there. This fact should keep everyone on their toes as they still might be able to give you a hard time regardless of where they sit in the standings.

The Blackhawks are going to have to pounce on Anaheim early and make them chase the game. This could lead to them losing their legs throughout the game and give the Blackhawks the opportunity to control the game. Alex DeBrincat always seems to play Anaheim well. He had a Hat Trick against them last season at the United Center. Look for him to make a difference as well.

This could be the game in which Corey Crawford makes his return. At the very least, he will dress for the team and could either be the backup or the starter. Look for the Blackhawks to play a very good game in such an important game for their playoff hopes.