{"id":18891,"date":"2017-11-09T11:02:24","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T16:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=18891"},"modified":"2017-11-10T09:49:46","modified_gmt":"2017-11-10T14:49:46","slug":"chicago-blackhawks-circus-road-trip-then-and-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2017\/11\/09\/chicago-blackhawks-circus-road-trip-then-and-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Blackhawks Circus Road Trip: Then and Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many years, November has meant an extended road trip for the Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>. The Ringling Bros. circus would come to Chicago for an extended stay and the Blackhawks would have to hit the road. Because of this, the extended road trip became known as the annual \u201cCircus Trip\u201d for the Blackhawks.<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks Circus Road Trip: Then and Now<\/h2>\n

After more than 100 years, the Ringling Bros. Circus last may. While high operating costs and the decline of ticket sales have been blamed, the decision was also driven<\/a> by growing concern about the treatment of animals. While there may be no circus in town, this month the Blackhawks still play seven games on the road.<\/p>\n

Annual Circus Road Trip History<\/h1>\n

Blackhawks Novembers Past<\/h2>\n

After the expansion of the 60\u2019s and 70\u2019s, the team would play several away games out east. Following the 80\u2019s expansion and the WHA merger, the Hawks would alternate between west and east coast trips season to season. In the late 90\u2019s, the \u201cCircus Trip\u201c consisted of traveling to play west coast teams.<\/p>\n

Despite the long road trip and travel, the Hawks often used the trip to bond as a team. They would try and build an \u201cesprit de corps\u201d as former Hawk coach Mike Keenan<\/strong> loved to say. Unfortunately, success varied year to year for the team. While under current Blackhawk coach Joel Quenneville<\/a><\/strong>, the annual Circus Trip has been successful and was used as an important building block to a successful regular season record.<\/p>\n

Blackhawks November Present Day<\/h2>\n

Due to the Ringling Bros. Circus closing down, the Blackhawks do not have an extended west coast road trip this November. This season the Hawks do have 8 straight games against teams from the Eastern Conference, 3 home and 5 away. This set of games are a unique twist for their season schedule compared to years past.<\/p>\n

Their first game of the 8 was at home last Sunday, a 2-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens<\/a>. Last night they suffered a 3-1 road loss to the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>. Their next 6 opponents from the East present the Blackhawks with a daunting task over the next three weeks. Furthermore, the\u00a06 teams remaining have a combined record of 47-32-13. The inconsistent Hawks are currently 10th in the Western Conference with 16 points, tied with 4 other teams. As a result of the recent Blackhawks struggles, the next\u00a06 games will have a big impact on their ability to stay in the playoff picture. If they can win 4 or 5 of the next\u00a06 games, they should be in good shape.<\/p>\n

Improving their Play<\/h2>\n

To improve their play, the Blackhawks will need to improve their offensive production and better support Corey Crawford<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Paltry Power Play<\/h3>\n

A large part of Chicago’s anemic offense is their power play. It has been near the bottom of the NHL all season. Last night against the Flyers, they were 0-4 on the night. This included an extended 5-3 man advantage that could have swung the momentum in a close game. The Hawks are still searching for that all-important net-front presence and some greasy goals. If they cannot improve the power play soon,\u00a0the next three weeks will\u00a0be\u00a0tough to watch.<\/p>\n

Leading the League: Corey Crawford<\/h3>\n

While the Hawks have been outscored by every team except the Hurricanes. Luckily for the Blackhawks, they have Corey Crawford<\/strong><\/a> in goal. Crawford<\/strong> is still leading the NHL in goals-against average and save percentage. Because of his play in net, Crawford was recently named the #1 star in the NHL <\/a>for his two shutouts last week. Crawford<\/strong> has been great, but he will need some offensive help from his team over the next\u00a06 games to be sure.<\/p>\n

The Month Ahead<\/h2>\n

Listed below is the record of the Blackhawks and their upcoming Eastern Conference opponents:<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/strong><\/a> 7-7-2\u00a0 16 pts. Goals\u00a0 = 44\u00a0 Goals Against = 39<\/p>\n

Eastern Conference Opponents<\/h4>\n

11\/11 away vs.\u00a0 Carolina Hurricanes<\/strong><\/a> 5-5-3\u00a0\u00a0 13 pts.\u00a0 Goals = 35\u00a0\u00a0 Goals Against = 38<\/p>\n

11\/12 home vs. New Jersey Devils<\/strong><\/a> 9-4-2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a020 pts.\u00a0 Goals = 52\u00a0\u00a0 Goals Against = 48<\/p>\n

11\/15 home vs. New York Rangers<\/strong><\/a> 8-7-2 \u00a0\u00a018 pts.\u00a0\u00a0 Goals = 56\u00a0\u00a0 Goals Against = 57<\/p>\n

11\/18 away vs. Pittsburgh Penguins<\/strong><\/a> 9-6-2\u00a0 \u00a020 pts.\u00a0 Goals = 45\u00a0\u00a0 Goals Against = 59<\/p>\n

11\/22 away vs. Tampa Bay Lightning<\/strong><\/a> 12-2-2\u00a0\u00a0 26 pts.\u00a0 Goals = 64\u00a0\u00a0 Goals Against = 43<\/p>\n

11\/25 away vs. Florida Panthers<\/strong><\/a> 4-8-2\u00a0 10 pts.\u00a0 Goals = 48\u00a0\u00a0 Goals Against = 59<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>