Dec. 27--DENVER -- The Christmas break has ended and the Chicago Blackhawks had very little time to prepare Saturday night's game against the Colorado Avalanche.
The Hawks flew to Denver on Saturday morning and traveled directly to the Pepsi Center, where they held their morning skate. Under NHL rules, teams are not allowed to have any official contact with players from Dec. 24-26, so teams are in the unique situation of traveling and playing on the same day.
"Obviously, it's going to be a little difficult," forward Andrew Shaw said. "We have to get going in the first period and make sure the legs are with us. Just work hard and compete out there and I think we should be fine that way."
Added winger Patrick Sharp: "We've all been through it before, the preseason is like this. It's a little different routine but it's something we've all had to deal with at one point in our career. I rremember the game last year, Colorado flew to Chicago so we're returning the favor. We want to make sure we come out and treat it like another game."
Sharp had a hat trick in the Hawks' 7-2 shellacking of the Avs on Dec. 27, 2013 at the United Center--which happened to be his birthday. Does he have more magic in story for his 33rd birthday?
"I hope so," Sharp said. "That would be nice. It was a fun day last year at the United Center. Hopefully that trend can continue."
The Hawks will be without center Brad Richards (upper body) and defenseman Michal Rozsival (lower body) against the Avs.
"They didn't come on the trip," coach Joel Quenneville said. "I think they're real close. We'll see about the Nashville game (on Monday)."
Corey Crawford will start in goal for the Hawks.
