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Blackhawks hope to jolt silent offense against Blues

Jan 21, 2009 - 11:29 AM St. Louis (18-23-4) at Chicago (25-11-8), 8:30 p.m. EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- An offensive slump may cause the Chicago Blackhawks to stumble into the All-Star break on bad terms.

All-Star Patrick Kane, who has one point in his last 10 games, and the rest of the Blackhawks hope to put their struggles behind them when they host the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday.

Chicago has not scored more than two goals in five of its last seven contests, and failed to generate any momentum on the offensive end in a 4-1 setback at home to the Minnesota Wild on Monday.

The Blackhawks had earned a point in nine straight games at the United Center (8-0-1), including Friday's 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Rangers, which interrupted an eight-game winning streak.

Their only home regulation loss during that stretch occurred at Wrigley Field against the Detroit Red Wings in the 2009 Winter Classic.

After the All-Star break, Chicago will play a season-high eight straight contests on the road from January 28 to February 13. It has registered an 11-8-3 mark on the road this season.

Before Monday's 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins, St. Louis had lost nine of its last 10 road games.

The Blues have scored five or more goals in each of their last four wins, and one goal in each of their last four losses.