Nicklas Backstrom

In a free fall out of playoff contention, the Chicago Blackhawks have lost eight games in a row, and things don't figure to get any easier for the Hawks with the Washington Capitals in town. The Caps have won three straight from the Blackhawks by a combined score of 15-4. They've also taken seven of their eight seven meetings from Chicago, and two of the last three at Chicago.

The three-way battle for top spot in the NHL's Eastern Conference resumes on two fronts. The Washington Capitals, tied for the lead with Columbus, host Calgary, while the Pittsburgh Penguins, one point back, are in Buffalo.

The Chicago Blackhawks did the Ottawa Senators a big favor Tuesday, beating the Montreal Canadiens. The Sens are seeking to catch the Habs atop the Atlantic Division but will Chicago do Montreal a favor this time as the Blackhawks face Ottawa?