New York Islanders (21–13–4) at Chicago Blackhawks (15–21–6)
6:30pm CST
Nassau Veteran Memorial Coliseum
TV/Radio: NBCSN, NBCSCH
PROJECTED STARTERS
Chicago – Collin Delia (3–0–0, SV%: .957, GAA: 1.67)
New York – Thomas Greiss (12–7–1, SV%: .917, GAA: 2.63)
TEAM STATISTICS
Power Play
Chicago (14.8%, 26th)
New York (15.8%, 23rd)
Penalty Kill
Chicago (73.6%, 31st)
New York (77.5%, 21st)
Shorts for/against
Chicago (31.7, 16th; 34.2, 29th)
New York (28.3, 29th; 31.5, 16th)
Shooting %
Chicago (9.1%, T-20th)
New York (10.4%, 9th)
Faceoff %
Chicago (50.1%, T-15th)
New York (47.6%, T-29th)
Avg. height/weight
Chicago 6’1”, 198lbs
New York 6’1” 206lbs
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS
Chicago Blackhawks
Brandon Saad–Jonathan Toews–Dominik Kahun
Artem Anisimov–Dylan Strome–Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat–David Kampf–Dylan Sikura
John Hayden–Marcus Kruger–Brendan Perlini
Gustav Forsling–Brent Seabrook
New York Islanders
Anders Lee–Brock Nelson–Josh Ho-Sang
Anthony Beauvillier–Mathew Barzal–Josh Bailey
Michael Dal Colle–Valtteri Filppula–Leo Komarov
Matt Martin–Casey Cizikas–Cal Clutterbuck
Analysis
After a disappointing loss at Notre Dame Stadium to the Boston Bruins, the Blackhawks travel to Nassau Coliseum vs. the New York Islanders. Despite the loss, numerous Blackhawks players and coaches were quoted with their positive outlook on how the team has been playing of late.
Brendan Perlini found his stride during the Winter Classic, scoring his third goal as a member of the Blackhawks, and fifth for the entire season. The fourth line had great possession numbers and a lot of that was driven by Perlini’s play. Look for Perlini to keep rolling heading into Thursday night’s contest in New York.
The Islanders have won their last four games entering Thursday evening’s game. Three of those win have come against Dallas, Toronto and Buffalo, all quality teams at the halfway point of the NHL season.
Despite losing John Tavares during the offseason, the Islanders are only one point out of the final playoff spot (currently owned by the Montreal Canadiens) with two games in hand. This Islanders team has been playing well enough, despite Andrew Ladd, Jordan Eberle and Thomas Hickey all being injured. The “Guys from the Island” will pose a test for the Blackhawks.