Bodog Beat

Though the Chicago Blackhawks are opening their annual circus trip having lost three straight on the road, a perfect homestand and their recent dominance of the Calgary Flames should have them confident going into tonight’s matchup.

Chicago went 3-2-1 on this trek last season after winning just six of 35 games from 2001-02 to 2007-08 on its annual road trip that coincides with the circus taking over the United Center for two weeks.

They enter the opener with momentum after sweeping a four-game homestand, having rallied for a 4-3 overtime victory over Western Conference-leading San Jose on Sunday night.

In regular-season matchups, the Blackhawks have won five straight at the Pengrowth Saddledome and five in a row overall over the Flames.

Calgary had been 5-0-1 to begin the month before a loss to Colorado.

The home team is 6-1 in the last seven matchups in this series.

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