As the Blackhawks and Bulls begin their annual “circus trips,” fans of the former think “We got this” while fans of the latter grit their teeth and hang on for dear life.
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Although neither team’s fate will be written by what happens in the next two weeks away from the United Center, the Hawks thrive this time of year while the Bulls usually come back bruised, in the standings as well as physically.
Since Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane began their careers in 2007-08, the Hawks have finished at least .500 on the trip. As for the Bulls, since Derrick Rose was drafted before the 2008 season they’ve cracked the break-even mark just twice.
Here is our guide to all 10 games involving both teams, with their watchability determined by the number of big tops (scale of 1 to 4).
Wednesday: Blackhawks at Edmonton (8:30 p.m. CSN)
3 Big Tops
As long as Patrick Kane’s points streak lives (it’s at 13 games now), the Hawks are must-see TV. There would be more sizzle to this game if highly touted rookie Connor McDavid didn’t have a broken clavicle. But he does. Dangit.
Wednesday: Bulls at Phoenix (9:30 p.m. WGN)
2 Big Tops
Will Derrick Rose shake off a sprained ankle in time to play? Should he? And why can’t Nikola Mirotic hit 3-pointers lately? For the Bulls to have success on this trip, they’ll have to answer those questions along with, “Why is Arizona too good for daylight saving time?”
Friday: Blackhawks at Calgary (8 p.m. CSN)
1 Big Top
Again, keep an eye out for Kane’s points streak. Other than that, well, count the references made to the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
Friday: Bulls at Golden State (9:30 p.m. WGN)
4 Big Tops
The Warriors might be a serious threat to break the 1995-96 Bulls’ record of 72 wins in a regular season. If you’re at all selfish about the Jordan era, you’ll root extra hard for Steph Curry to catch Rose’s blurred vision for one night. Even if the Bulls get steamrolled, stay awake to see if Riley Curry shows up to the press conference.
Saturday: Blackhawks at Vancouver (9 p.m. WGN)
4 Big Tops
Just when you think this rivalry is losing its edge, you look at the Canucks roster, see the Sedin twins and hope the Hawks inflict every measure of revenge for preventing them from repeating as Stanley Cup champs in 2011. Yes, it still stings.
Tuesday: Bulls at Portland (9 p.m. WGN)
1 Big Top
Almost two years ago to the day, Rose tore his meniscus on the Trail Blazers’ court. Bulls fans might want to skip this one and hope for the best.
Nov. 25: Blackhawks at San Jose, 9 p.m. CSN
3 Big Tops
Jonathan Toews appears to be extra fight-y this season. With 24 penalty minutes, he’s already almost halfway to his season high of 51, set in 2008-09. He likely will add to that total in this game as the Sharks’ Joe Thornton often seems to get on Captain Serious’ nerves.
Nov. 27: Blackhawks at Anaheim (4 p.m. WGN)
3 Big Tops
This late-afternoon puck drop sets up perfectly as a way to relax after Black Friday shopping before eventually drifting into a Thanksgiving leftovers-induced coma. It’s kind of too bad the Ducks are struggling this season, though Hawks fans are glad the skate’s not on the other foot.
Nov. 27: Bulls at Indiana (7 p.m. CSN)
3 Big Tops
The Bulls actually get to stop at home for Thanksgiving before completing the road stretch at the Pacers. Having just beaten Indiana at the United Center this week, the object is to keep division rivals at arm’s length and try to nose past Cleveland at the regular-season finish line.
Nov. 28: Blackhawks at Los Angeles (9:30 p.m. WGN)
4 Big Tops
Oh, you thought the Kings were out of the picture after missing the playoffs last season? Nope. They lead their division entering Tuesday and are built to contend for the Cup again. Though what better way for the Hawks to send a message than to punctuate the trip with a victory?
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HAWKS ON THE “CIRCUS TRIP”
(Since Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane arrived)
2007-08: 2-2-2
2008-09: 3-2-1
2009-10: 4-1-1
2010-11: 4-2-0
2011-12: 3-3-0
2012-13: N/A (Lockout-shortened season started in January)
2013-14: 6-1-0
2014-15: 5-1-0
BULLS ON THE “CIRCUS TRIP”
(Since Derrick Rose arrived)
2008-09: 3-4
2009-10: 1-5
2010-11: 4-3
2011-12: N/A (Lockout-shortened season began in December)
2012-13: 2-3
2013-14: 1-5
2014-15: 4-3
Chris Sosa is RedEye’s sports editor. @redeyesportschi
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