CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks head into the NHL's Olympic break in prime position to defend their Stanley Cup title.
Now comes the part that really matters.
The Blackhawks (35-11-14) were shut out for the first time this season when they lost 2-0 at Phoenix on Friday night.
But their six-game trip leading up to the break including impressive wins at Los Angeles and Anaheim that helped them move within one point of the NHL-leading Ducks.
"It was really important before getting the two weeks off. You always want to go into the trip with a little momentum and gain some points before you have a long break like that," goaltender Corey Crawford said after the loss to the Coyotes.
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