Chicago Blackhawks (33-37-10)
vs
St. Louis Blues (43-31-6)
TIME: 7:30PM Central/8:30PM Eastern
RADIO: WGN 720
TV: NBCSCH
PROJECTED GOALIES:
Chicago:
Jean-Francois Berube (3-5-1 W-L | 3.84 GAA | 0.893 SV% | 0 SO)
St. Louis:
Jake Allen (27-24-3 W-L | 2.74 GAA | 0.906 SV% | 1 SO)
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:
Chicago:
Brandon Saad – Nick Schmaltz – Patrick Kane
Dylan Sikura – Victor Ejdsell – Alex DeBrincat
Tomas Jurco (Questionable) – Artem Anisimov – Andreas Martinsen
Patrick Sharp – David Kampf – Vinnie Hinostroza
Duncan Keith – Brent Seabrook
Erik Gustafsson – Connor Murphy
Blake Hillman – Jan Rutta – Jordan Oesterle
St. Louis:
Jaden Schwartz – Brayden Schenn – Vladimir Tarasenko
Patrik Berglund – Kyle Brodziak – Alex Steen
Dmitrij Jaskin – Vladimir Sobotka – Tage Thompson
Ivan Barbashev – Oskar Sundqvist – Chris Thorburn
Joel Edmundson – Alex Pietrangelo
Vince Dunn – Colton Parayko
Chris Butler – Robert Bortuzzo
STATISTICAL COMPARISONS:
Power Play:
Chicago 16.1% (28th)
St. Louis 15.2% (30th)
Penalty Kill:
Chicago 79.1% (20th)
St. Louis 79.7% (18th)
Corsi FOR % (5-on-5):
Chicago 52.59% (4th)
St. Louis 51.75% (6th)
Faceoffs:
Chicago 49.3% (19th)
St. Louis 50.7% (11th)
SUMMARY:
After an absolutely heartbreaking loss to the Blackhawks, at home, just two nights previous, the Blues try once again to gain some ground in the Colorado Avalanche. If the Blackhawks can win once again the Blues will be one step closer to being eliminated from the playoffs. Talk about sweet irony.
The Avalanche had a chance to stick a dagger into the heart of the Blues by beating the Sharks, last night, but failed to do so with a 4-2 regulation loss. The Blues now hold their destiny in their hands. If the Blackhawks win this game, they hold off the Blues fate until Saturday night. If they lose, the Blues hop over the Avs by one point.
After the Blackhawks announced Thursday that they would be bringing back coach Joel Quenneville and GM Stan Bowman, some of the off-season drama has been eliminated. The team can now concentrate on the draft and free agency.
As far as the Blackhawks go, Andreas Martinsen and Blake Hillman are coming off a big game. They both scored their first goals as Blackhawks, on Wednesday. Hillman’s goal was his first pro goal since signing his entry level deal on March 27th. Both are looking to throw their hats in the ring for spots next fall.
Tomas Jurco was sick, as of the morning skate, and is questionable for tonight. As a result, Joel Quenneville indicated that he could possibly go with seven defensemen, if Jurco is out.
Lastly, tonight will be bittersweet, as the Blackhawks honor Stan Mikita with a “One More Shift” celebration. Due to his medical condition, his grandsons will take the ice representing him.
This could also be the last time Patrick Sharp plays in the United Center, as he is coming to the end of his career, and certainly his time with the Blackhawks organization.
Join our discussion below and look out for a recap following the game or tomorrow.
Follow me on Twitter @PuckinHostile