|
 "The points are critical," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill told
reporters. "We gotta keep doing everything we can to get as many
points as we can." While Detroit's five-game point streak (3-0-2)
has helped launched it into contention with Florida and Tampa Bay
for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, the Blackhawks have their
own battle on their hands with the Stars and St. Louis in the
ultra-competitive Central. Chicago has been idle since posting just
its third win in eight outings with a 3-2 victory over NHL-leading
Washington on Sunday. Andrew Ladd, who was acquired prior to the
trade deadline, notched an assist in his first game back with the
Blackhawks to extend his point streak to four games (four goals, one
assist).
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TVA
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (39-20-5): Chicago's toughest foe may very well
be chemistry, as the club looks to have its new acquisitions mesh
immediately with the existing group. While Ladd continued his hot
stretch, Tomas Fleischmann also got acclimated with third-liners
Teuvo Teravainen and Andrew Desjardins in Sunday's win against the
Capitals. There's more in store for the Blackhawks, however, as Dale
Weise is dealing with visa issues as he comes over from Montreal
while veteran forward Tim Jackman is expected to see ice time
following his trade from Anaheim. "I think everyone has their ideas
of where the players are going to play, and as time goes on those
things usually change around and I think that's the genius of
(coach) Joel (Quenneville)," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman
told CSN Chicago.
[to top of second column] |
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (32-20-11): All-Star rookie forward Dylan Larkin
(team-leading 19 goals) is keeping a level head as he works his way
through his first scoring drought of the rookie season. "Just have
to find a way to work through it and find a way to help the team, be
more effective," the 19-year-old Larkin told the Detroit Free Press
after recording just one point - a goal - in his last nine games.
Fellow first-year forward Andreas Athanasiou tallied twice versus
Dallas to double his goal total while playing in just his 18th game
of the season.
OVERTIME
1. Detroit G Petr Mrazek is expected to make his first career start
versus Chicago.
2. Blackhawks veteran RW Marian Hossa (lower body) did not travel
with the club but Quenneville told the team's website that "he's
close" (to returning).
3. The Red Wings have killed off all 17 short-handed situations over
the past six games.
PREDICTION: Blackhawks 3, Red Wings 2
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