The Chicago Blackhawks limped into the All-Star break after two straight difficult losses and in need of a recharge as their upcoming schedule will be challenging, to say the least.

 

The Blackhawks open a six-game road trip Tuesday night against the San Jose Sharks with both teams locked in tight battles in their respective divisions.

 

Chicago is 12-9-1 on the road and trails the Central Division-leading Minnesota Wild by four points.

 

Puck drops tonight in San Jose at 9:30 pm central time.

 

As the St. Louis Blues prepare for the resumption of the season following the All-Star break, coach Ken Hitchcock prefers to look ahead, not backward.

 

What Hitchcock sees in the team's future is the possibility of earning a playoff spot. Whatever has happened in the first half of the season, in Hitchcock's opinion, doesn't really matter now.

 

The Blues won only one of their last five games before the All-Star break, and have struggled in goal for most of the last month. Jake Allen, who has not won since the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 against the Blackhawks, will get the start against the Jets.

 

Puck drop tonight is 7 pm from the Scottrade Center.