October is finally over. The opening month in the NHL was a scary one for many reasons for the Blackhawks. The nightmare hasn't ended for the organization off the ice but could go way one or another on the ice.

On the one hand, October's torrential rain could continue to downpour and extend the season-opening losing streak into double digits. Without significant changes, this could be a case of when it rains it pours.

But on the other hand, could a relatively strong game versus the Blues on Saturday be the pivotal starting point where the switch is flipped at long last and the Hawks are locked and loaded to bring the rain?

There's also a middle ground in between these extremes of the continuum where the Hawks show some signs of life with wins here and there but still not enough to inspire confidence of being a force this season.

This team is a far cry from the recent Stanley Cup era team that could flip on a magical switch after going through the motions during a game then suddenly apply requisite skill and compete level to seal the win.

No matter where the Hawks land this month and beyond, the off-ice turmoil will be be a factor in direct and indirect ways with not only how the on-ice performance looks but also how the roster and front office look.

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Next Game vs Senators

Taking on the Senators at home tonight pic.twitter.com/KHzhw9GS70

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 1, 2021

The Hawks return home to the United Center to host the Senators tonight then the Hurricanes on Wednesday before a quick road swing through Winnipeg to face the Jets.

After the quick roadie, the Hawks are back in Chicago for more home cooking versus the Predators, Penguins, and the fellow cellar-dwelling Coyotes then rest for 4 days.

D.J. Smith

Some quick thoughts from #Sens head coach D.J. Smith after today's practice in Chicago ⬇️ #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/D3WUFG6Xok

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 30, 2021

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IceHogs Updates

Hogs Weekly: After a six-game road trip, we are headed home to see YOU at the BMO for Opening Weekend on Saturday and Sunday! https://t.co/3mm5Sv9VyG

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) November 1, 2021

The IceHogs next game will be their home opener this Saturday hosting the Grand Rapids Griffins (Red Wings AHL affiliate) at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford.

The first homestand also includes matches against the Manitoba Moose (Jets AHL affiliate), Iowa Wild (Wild AHL affiliate), and Chicago Wolves (Hurricanes AHL affiliate).

Alex Nylander

Nylander scores just 8 seconds into the powerplay. @goicehogs | #RFDvsTEX pic.twitter.com/bVATfBlhhH

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) October 31, 2021

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See you on the boards!

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