San Jose Sharks (33-20-8) @ Chicago Blackhawks (26-27-8)
7:30PM Central
RADIO: WGN 720
PROJECTED GOALIES:
Chicago:
Anton Forsberg (7-12-3, 2.90 GAA, .910 Save%)
San Jose:
Martin Jones (19-15-5, 2.53 GAA, .916 Save%)
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:
Chicago:
Saad-Toews-Wingels
Jurco-Anisimov-Kane
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Duclair
Hinostroza-Kampf-Hartman
Keith-Oesterle
Murphy-Seabrook
Gustafsson-Dahlstrom
San Jose:
Meier-Pavelski-Donskoi
Hertl-Couture-Labanc
Boedker-Tierney-Hansen
Goodrow-Fehr-Karlsson
Ryan-Burns
Vlasic-Braun
Dillon-Demelo
STATISTICAL COMPARISIONS:
Power Play:
Chicago 15.8% (29th)
San Jose 21.9% (5th)
Penalty Kill:
Chicago 82.7% (7th)
San Jose 83.8% (2nd)
Corsi FOR % (5-on-5):
Chicago 53.50% (3rd)
San Jose 51.37% (12th)
Faceoffs:
Chicago 49.7% (18th)
San Jose 51.0% (T-11th)
SUMMARY:
I know we are all going to look at Wednesday’s shootout win over the Ottawa Senators as the turning point in the season, right? You know, that win that started the long winning streak leading to a surprise playoff birth… I WISH!
But the reality is, I am not sure if I even want the Blackhawks to win games at this point. What does Wednesday’s win, in an ugly and boring game, do for the franchise? They aren’t making the playoffs, so it only hurts their chances at a higher draft pick. Maybe that was Coach Joel Quenneville’s logic behind playing Tomas Jurco, of all people, with Patrick Kane.
The Hawks should look no further than their roommates at the United Center; I never thought I would say this, but the Blackhawks should be copying the Bulls. Play the young guys to find out what you have, while also losing games to help better your draft picks… But, I digress.
Despite losing to the Nashville Predators 7-1 last night, this San Jose Sharks team is very solid. As you can see above, they are incredible on special teams, often the difference between wins and losses for the Blackhawks this season.
On a positive note, Anton Forsberg has been very solid in net ever since Jeff Glass was sent back to Rockford. In the four games since the roster move, Forsberg has not given up more than three goals in a single game, has a 2.25 goals against average, and a .924 save percentage. He even just looks more confident in net, and these are good signs for the Blackhawks, especially with the unknown health of Corey Crawford.
Tonight, and every other night, the Sharks are playing to solidify their playoff spot, and I would expect them to play a great game. On the other hand, I would expect the Hawks, featuring Tommy Wingels and Jurco in the top six, to be less than stellar tonight. Nothing against Tommy Wingels, who has been one of the few Hawks who has been a joy to watch all season, but he is NOT a top six player.
As always, I hope it is at least an entertaining game, but like I said, I’m really not rooting for Blackhawks wins anymore, because they will NOT benefit the team down the road.
We’ll recap tonight or tomorrow AM. Join the conversation below!
Follow: @CoachMajewski