|
 "I think our mentality is the same as what management has shown
the last couple of days, with the additions that we've seen,"
captain Jonathan Toews told the Chicago Sun-Times. "... We're
excited about seeing two new faces in our locker room." Additions to
the roster aside, the Blackhawks aren't helping their cause on the
ice as they suffered their fourth loss in six contests (2-3-1) with
a lackluster 4-0 setback to Tampa Bay on Friday. While Chicago still
is in prime position for a postseason spot, Carolina will attempt to
match a season-best four-game winning streak as it plays out the
string.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Carolinas, CSN Chicago
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (24-30-7): Carolina has liked what it has seen
from Jay McClement, offering the 31-year-old a two-year contract
extension worth $2.4 million on Sunday. "Jay has proven to be a
valuable veteran leader for our club and it was important for us to
keep him in Raleigh," general manager Ron Francis said. "He's one of
the league's best faceoff men and has played a key role in what
currently stands as the best penalty-killing unit in team history."
McClement, who joined the Hurricanes as an unrestricted free agent
on July 1, tallied twice in Saturday's 5-3 win over the New York
Islanders and has scored three of his six goals in the last three
contests.
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (37-21-5): Vermette is expected to center the
second line with Patrick Sharp and Brandon Saad, a move that could
shuffle promising rookie Teuvo Teravainen to the sideline. Timonen
likely will be paired with fellow defenseman Brent Seabrook while
both newcomers also will see time on the team's power play. "I got
in (Saturday) night and I couldn't sleep, I was so excited," Timonen
said.
[to top of second column] |
OVERTIME
1. Chicago G Corey Crawford stopped all 20 shots he faced in a 3-0
victory over Florida on Thursday to snap a three-game skid.
2. The Hurricanes have recorded 10 power-play goals in their last 10
contests while the Blackhawks are just 2-for-22 with the man
advantage in their last seven games.
3. Carolina G Cam Ward has won six of his last seven decisions and
owns a 3-0-2 career mark with two shutouts and a 1.17 goals-against
average versus Chicago.
PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Hurricanes 3
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