Anaheim Ducks (4-3-0) @ Chicago Blackhawks (4-1-2)
Time: 7:30
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WGN 720
Internet: Justin.tv/hawks33channel (password is “stoogetvcom”
The first of four meetings between these two clubs begins tonight in the United Center. Both teams are coming off losses in their previous games, with the Ducks losing a frustrating 5-4 decision to Phoenix on Sunday, while the Blackhawks of course fell to the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 by way of the shootout at the UC on Saturday.
For the Ducks, this is the first of a brutal 7 game road trip, in which they play 5 clubs who were playoff contenders. Hopefully, the Blackhawks can start this trip off on a sour note for Anaheim. This is the 2nd game of a 3 game homestand for Chicago.
The Ducks definitely have players, both up front and on the bluelines, who can hurt you offensively. Their biggest threat is reigning Hart Trophy winner and NHL MVP Corey Perry, who after coming off a 50+ goal campaign last season, has picked up right where he left off. Perry is tied for the team lead in points with 7. Players that also have seven points for Anaheim are Ryan Getzlaf, Ageless Wonder Teemu Selanne, and offensive weapon Lubomir Visnovsky. Other notables for Anaheim include Bobby Ryan, who when put with Perry and Getzlaf last season formed the best line in hockey, and their goaltender Jonas Hiller.
Hiller, after suffering through vertigo last season (which is part of the reason Ray Emery is Chicago’s backup goalie), has definitely seemed to lose a step in his six starts this season. Usually, Hiller can be considered one of the NHL’s top goaltenders. However, through six games Hiller has posted a 3-3 record with a subpar .892 save percentage and a 2.71 GAA. Hopefully the Blackhawks can inflate those numbers even more tonight.
Overall, aside from the opening night loss in Dallas, the hasn’t been too much to complain about in the Blackhawks overall game. Sure, they got stoned by a hot goalie in game 1, they zombie-walked their way through the late stages of the loss against Boston, and a couple of bounces didn’t go their way against Colorado on Saturday, but for the most part, when the Blackhawks can get their transition game going and limit the opponent’s chances, it usually turns out well for them. It also helps when your penalty kill, which was a big weakness for Chicago last season, is one of the most elite in the league. If the Hawks continue to play the way they have for most of the year, they should have no problems beating any team in the league. Sometimes, though, that can be a huge “if”.
Former Maple Leaf Jason Blake is out for Anaheim for about the next three months after undergoing wrist surgery last month. Thankfully, the Blackhawks still have no injuries to report.
Let’s Go Hawks
KTM
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