Preview: Blackhawks at Flames

[November 18, 2016]  SportsDirect Inc.

The Chicago Blackhawks' annual Circus Trip got off to a disappointing start, but the Central Division leaders hope to bounce back when they visit the Calgary Flames on Friday. Temporarily evicted from United Center due to the occupation of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Chicago fell flat in Winnipeg on Tuesday, dropping a 4-0 decision that put an end to its 11-game point streak (9-0-2).

The setback dropped the Blackhawks to 3-3-0 on the road and marked the first time this season they failed to score at least two goals. Chicago could be in for another difficult night offensively, as Calgary allowed a total of one tally in victories over Minnesota and Arizona on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Backup Chad Johnson was the star in the back-to-back wins, turning aside 48 shots after surrendering 11 goals over his previous three starts. The Flames continue to have trouble scoring themselves, however, as they totaled three tallies in the triumphs and have been limited to fewer than three in eight of their last nine contests.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, Sportsnet West (Calgary)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (11-4-2): Patrick Kane leads the team with 18 points but has been kept off the scoresheet in two of his last three games. The reigning Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner has enjoyed facing Calgary this season, recording two goals and two assists in the first two meetings. Marian Hossa tops the club with nine tallies and hopes to get back in the groove after having his four-game goal-scoring streak snapped on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE FLAMES (7-10-1): Calgary's offense may continue struggling for a while as general manager Brad Treliving announced Johnny Gaudreau would miss approximately six weeks after undergoing successful surgery on his fractured finger on Wednesday. "Hopefully it's shorter," Treliving told reporters on Thursday. "Everybody heals in different ways and different timeframes. ... It's an unfortunate situation, but the injury and subsequent surgery, everything went as well as expected and now we're on the road to recovery." The 23-year-old Gaudreau, who already has missed one game, ranks second on the team with 11 points - one behind leader Michael Frolik.

OVERTIME

1. The Blackhawks own a 28-11-4 record on their Circus Trip since 2008, including a 3-1-2 mark last season.

2. Frolik tops the Flames with six goals after ending his six-game drought with the overtime winner against Arizona.

3. Chicago is 1-0-1 in the three-game season series against Calgary.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 5, Flames 0

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