The Chicago Blackhawks (29-17-7, 65 pts) have lost five straight games and only won 5 games in their last 15 games. The team that lived in first place of the Central Division for most of the 2011-12 season is suddenly in fourth place now. On Tuesday night, they square off against the Colorado Avalanche (26-25-3, 55 pts) who enter with a five-game losing streak of their own.
The Avalanche has lost by a score of 2-3 in four of their last five games. C Ryan O'Reilly leads the Colorado with 14 goals and 24 assists on the 2011-12 season.
Chicago has been outscored 10-22 in their losing streak, and they will turn to G Ray Emery, giving the long-time backup his first chance to take over the starting goalie role this season.
Gametime: 8:00 PM CST
Television: CSN-CH
Radio: WGN 720 AM
For more analysis and commentary on the Chicago Blackhawks, check out the Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey, or Mile High Hockey for the Colorado Avalanche. Stay tuned to SB Nation's NHL news hub for more news and notes from around the league.