By dropping two games against fairly mediocre teams to start this road trip, the Sharks have put themselves in a fairly unenviable position. They'll need to win three of the final four games to post a .500 trip (and remain above .500 overall). The opponents? Chicago tonight, St. Louis on Tuesday, Chicago again a week from now and Dallas. Yikes. But first things first, it's time to avenge their loss to the Blackhawks from a week ago and finally end their six-game losing streak. They'll have a chance to do that tonight at the Madhouse. Here's some pre-game reading ahead of the 5:30PM puck drop:

Sharks vs. Blackhawks: Where do the Sharks stand at the quarter pole? | Fear The Fin

Sharks Gameday: Wendigo | Battle Of California

Day 5: Gomez in, Sheppard out against Chicago — and need to add offense without sacrificing defense | Working the Corners

Sharks-Blackhawks at a glance | CSN Bay Area

Sharks hint at strategic changes v. Chicago | CSN Bay Area

Strange Cousins From The West – Sharks vs Hawks Preview, Pregame Thread, Happy Hour | The Committed Indian

No Go For Crow | Second City Hockey

Prediction: Sharks 4, Blackhawks 3. Ray Emery pulls his groin and the ghost of Eddie Belfour comes in for him.