A combination of bad luck and three tough opponents have left the Blackhawks 0-3 on their current homestand with just this remaining game against Toronto left before heading out to the road. Chicago hasn't suffered a winless homestand of at least four games since 2003.

Don't look for that string to get broken here. The Blackhawks are in kill mode and they step way down in class after having lost to the Sharks, Stars and Ducks in overtime this past Saturday.

Despite these agonizing defeats, the defending Stanley Cup champions still have won 36 of their last 51 home contests. They are 5-0 the past five times hosting Toronto. The Maple Leafs are playing in their fifth consecutive road matchup. They return home for four games following this matchup.

The Maple Leafs are coming off a rare victory, an upset of Vancouver this past Saturday. That stopped a three game losing streak. Toronto is 2-7 the past nine times when in action after one day rest. They have dropped 10 of the last 12 meetings to the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks can afford to be aggressive as the Maple Leafs are playing for next season composed of castoffs and youngsters and ranking last in the NHL in power play goals. The Maple Leafs are down four of their top forwards and traded defenseman and team captain Dion Phaneuf.