Ottawa Senators (22–31–5) vs Chicago Blackhawks (24–26–9)
7:30pm CST
United Center
TV/Radio: NBCSCH/WGN
PROJECTED STARTERS
Chicago – Collin Delia (6–3–3, SV%: .916, GAA: 3.22)
Ottawa – Craig Anderson (14–17–3, SV%: .904, GAA: 3.55)
TEAM STATISTICS
Power Play
Chicago (21.2%, 12th)
Ottawa (21.7%, T10th)
Penalty Kill
Chicago (73.4%, 31st)
Ottawa (77.4%, 26th)
Shorts for/against
Chicago (31.7, 16th; 35.3, 30th)
Ottawa (30.1, 22nd; 36.3, 31st)
Shooting %
Chicago (10.2%, 9th)
Ottawa (10.2%, 8th)
Faceoff %
Chicago (49.8%, 17th)
Ottawa (50.1%, T15th)
Avg. height/weight
Chicago 6’1”, 195lbs
Ottawa 6’2” 200lbs
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS
Drake Caggiula–Jonathan Toews–Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat–Dylan Strome–Dominik Kahun
Brandon Saad–Artem Anisimov–Dylan Sikura
Chris Kunitz–Marcus Kruger–John Hayden
Slater Koekkoek–Erik Gustafsson
Ryan Dzingel–Matt Duchene–Bobby Ryan
Brady Tkachuk–Colin White–Mark Stone
Zack Smith–Jean-Gabriel Pageau–Magnus Paajarvi
Darren Archibald–Chris Tierney–Rudolfs Balcers
Analysis
In their third-straight Eastern Conference game, the Blackhawks fell to Artemi Panarin and the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2. Despite the loss, Patrick Kane extended his point streak to 17 games, scoring 35 points over that time span. Kane is currently on pace for 123 points if he plays all 82 games this season.
The loss did not do the Blackhawks any favors in the playoff race. They are three points back of the second wild card spot, with four teams to leapfrog. At the same time, they are only five points from the basement of the Western Conference. It will be interesting to see what the Blackhawks do between now and the deadline. Ideally, they sell a few pieces for assets or stand-pat. Overpaying for assets right now could prove more destructive to this team long-term than helpful.
The Ottawa Senators are the worst team in hockey. Only a few years removed from being a final-four team, the franchise has imploded with ownership issues, roster issues and a lack of willingness to spend. Ottawa currently sits in last place in the entire league, but also does not have their first-round pick, which is owned by the Colorado Avalanche due to the Matt Duchene trade. Ottawa could in theory win the draft lottery, and never see Jack Hughes in a Senators jersey. That has to hurt.
Speaking of Matt Duchene, it was reported yesterday that Duchene will likely be traded before the deadline. Mark Stone, who is also a pending UFA, could possibly be traded before the deadline as well. The reports are that Stone’s fate will be determined in the next week or so.