"It's a bit unfair to compare the Blackhawks' season to what happened last year, when they had their roster overhauled after winning the Stanley Cup and had to fight their way back into playoff contention.

There are distinct differences, such as their better overall start this year. But there are some similarities that are starting to show up, especially when you look at the Hawks' six-game skid.

"We look at the four games without winning here on this road trip alone, we could have gotten points out of every game," coach Joel Quenneville said Thursday. "That's what the frustrating part is in here. We could have controlled the outcome in those games.""