Columbus Blue Jackets (32–21–3) vs Chicago Blackhawks (24–25–9)
7:30pm CST
United Center
TV/Radio: NBCSCH/WGN
PROJECTED STARTERS
Chicago – Cam Ward (12–8–4, SV%: .898, GAA: 3.60)
Columbus – Sergei Bobrovsky (23–17–1, SV%: .903, GAA: 2.90)
TEAM STATISTICS
Power Play
Chicago (20.8%, 14th)
Columbus (16.1%, 25th)
Penalty Kill
Chicago (73.4%, 31st)
Columbus (84.5%, 2nd)
Shorts for/against
Chicago (31.5, 18th; 35.4, 30th)
Columbus (31.8, 15th; 29.9, 8th)
Shooting %
Chicago (10.3%, 8th)
Columbus (10.1%, 10th)
Faceoff %
Chicago (49.6%, T17th)
Columbus (49.6%, T17th)
Avg. height/weight
Chicago 6’1”, 195lbs
Columbus 6’1” 198lbs
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS
Drake Caggiula–Jonathan Toews–Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat–Dylan Strome–Dominik Kahun
Brandon Saad–Marcus Kruger–Dylan Sikura
Brendan Perlini–Artem Anisimov–John Hayden
Slater Koekkoek–Erik Gustafsson
Artemi Panarin–Pierre-Luc Dubois–Cam Atkinson
Nick Foligno–Boone Jenner–Josh Anderson
Anthony Duclair–Alexander Wennberg–Oliver Bjorkstrand
Lukas Sedlak–Riley Nash–Markus Hannikainen
Scott Harrington–Markus Nutivaara
Analysis
The Blackhawks returned to their winning ways on Thursday night as they scored five unanswered goals to beat the New Jersey Devils 5-2. The Blackhawks look to make it two-straight wins as they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets to the United Center for a rare Saturday night home game.
Patrick Kane has continued his sensational play this season with a goal and two assists on Thursday night. Look for Patrick Kane to continue his 16-game point streak tonight against their talented Eastern Conference opponent.
The story swirling around the Blue Jackets coming to town is the return of former fan-favorite Artemi Panarin to Chicago. With free agency looming, many Blackhawks fans are hoping that “the Bread Man” will return to the team where he started his NHL career just a few short years ago.
The Blue Jackets are a strong team. Their defense is arguably one of the best in the league, and they have talent up and down their entire lineup. This will certainly present a tough task for the playoff-hopeful Blackhawks. The Blue Jackets may be all out for a Stanley Cup this season, especially with Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky destined to hit the free agent market this offseason.