Toronto Maple Leafs (26-18-5) at Chicago Blackhawks (22-19-6)
7:00PM Central
RADIO: WGN 720
PROJECTED GOALIES:
Chicago:
Jeff Glass (3-3-3, 3.17 GAA, .909 Save%)
Toronto:
Frederik Anderson (23-14-4, 2.69 GAA, .920 Save%)
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:
Chicago:
Saad-Toews-Duclair
Sharp-Schmaltz-Kane
DeBrincat-Anisimov-Hartman
Jurco-Kampf-Hinostroza
Keith-Oesterle
Gustafsson-Seabrook
Kempny-Murphy
Toronto:
Hyman-Matthews-Nylander
Marleau-Kadri-Marner
Van Riemsdyk-Bozak-Brown
Komarov-Moore-Kapanen
Gardiner-Hainsey
Dermott-Carrick
Borgman-Polak
STATISTICAL COMPARISIONS:
Power Play:
Chicago 14.8% (T-29th)
Toronto 20.4% (T-10th)
Penalty Kill:
Chicago 82.5% (T-9th)
Toronto 83.8% (T-4th)
Corsi FOR % (5-on-5):
Chicago 53.5% (2nd)
Toronto 50.2% (16th)
Faceoffs:
Chicago 49.7% (17th)
Toronto 51.7% (8th)
SUMMARY:
Well, it’s going to be tough for the Blackhawks to stop their losing streak at three games with a tough opponent coming into the United Center tonight. The young and dangerous Toronto Maple Leafs arrive in Chicago looking to avenge a loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night.
Although the Leafs are extremely talented up front, they have lost five of their last six games, which may be the only hope Blackhawks fans after watching their team continue to fall in the standings. Currently seven points out of the final wild card spot, the Blackhawks need to make up some ground big time, as they are running out of time to gain significant ground in the standings. It goes without saying, but this is a must win game for the Hawks. I don’t remember the last time I said that in January as a Blackhawks fan, but that is the reality of the 2017-18 team.
In other news, it was reported that Corey Crawford has been back with the team working out, fueling some hope that he may return before the seasons end. But, if the Blackhawks don’t string together a winning streak here soon, it may not be worth it for him to play again this season.
We’ll recap tonight or tomorrow AM. Join the The Rink staff and other Rinkrats for this game tonight!