(My Sportsbook) - The Chicago Blackhawks will kick off a four-game homestand today when they welcome the lowly Colorado Avalanche for a battle at the United Center.

The Blackhawks have taken two of three matchups with the Avalanche this season and have won five of seven and seven of 11 overall in the series. Colorado has also dropped three straight and four of its last five tests in the Windy City.

Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville spent the last three seasons with the Avalanche, but was not brought back following the 2007-08 campaign. He signed on with the Blackhawks as a pro scout prior to this season, but ascended to the head coaching job when Denis Savard was fired on October 16.

The Blackhawks had a two-game winning streak snapped with Saturday's setback in Boston. Mark Recchi scored two goals to lead the Bruins to the 5-3 victory at TD Banknorth Garden.

Jonathan Toews, Kris Versteeg and Patrick Kane scored for Chicago, which fell to 2-3-1 in six games following a four-game win streak. Cristobal Huet allowed four goals on 38 shots in the losing effort.

Chicago is still fourth in the Western Conference with 81 points on the season.

The Blackhawks are 17-5-6 as the host this year and have won two straight and three of their last five home tests.

The Avalanche, who are last in the West with 57 points, have lost their last six games and were handed a 3-2 loss Wednesday against visiting Detroit. Kris Draper scored the eventual game-winner late in the second to help lead the Red Wings to victory at the Pepsi Center.

Milan Hejduk notched a goal and assist for Colorado, which is mired in its longest losing streak of the season. John-Michael Liles also scored for the Avalanche, who got 27 saves from Andrew Raycroft.

Colorado has a dismal 11-21-1 record as the visiting club this season and has dropped five road games in a row.