The Los Angeles Kings return home to open a four-game homestand Saturday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Kings (11-7-4) are one point behind the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars for first place in the Pacific Division in the NHL, and are currently in a three-way tie for sixth place in a tightly bunched Western Conference. The Kingshave struggled mightily against the Blackhawks in recent years.

The Kings have lost to the Blackhawks six straight times, and have just one overtime win against Chicago in their last 10 meetings:

• January 3, 2011 - Blackhawks 4, Kings 3: Jonathan Toews scored with 5:27 remaining in the third period to give Chicago the win at Staples Center.
• December 19, 2010 - Blackhawks 3, Kings 2
  
• November 27, 2010 - Blackhawks 2, Kings 1
• October 27, 2010 - Blackhawks 3, Kings 1
• March 18, 2010 - Blackhawks 3, Kings 0: The Kings only managed 17 shots on Antti Niemi, and he saved them all.
  
• March 10, 2010 - Blackhawks 3, Kings 2 (OT): Patrick Sharp scored the second of his two goals in overtime for the win.
• November 28, 2009 - Kings 2, Blackhawks 1 (SO): Jonathan Quick saved 32 of 33 shots, and stopped both efforts in the shootout for the Kings' lone win against Chicago in the last 34 months.
  
• November 9, 2009 - Blackhawks 4, Kings 1: Three goals in the final period provided the final margin for Chicago.
• March 22, 2009 - Blackhawks 4, Kings 1: Sharp scored two goals in the win for Chicago
• March 1, 2009 - Blackhawks 4, Kings 2

Sharp has been the Kings' largest tormenter during the Blackhawks' 9-0-1 run against Los Angeles, with eight goals and seven assists in nine games during that span. Toews has chipped in with five goals and four assists in 10 games, and Patrick Kane has been a facilitator with a goal and eight assists in nine games.

Saturday night's 7:30 p.m. game will be televised by Fox Sports West as well as WGN. For more Kings hockey news and analysis, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.