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Chicago Blackhawks at New York Islanders 7:30 PM Eastern NHL Network
THE BUZZ
Yet another early season test for the Blackhawks, meeting the Islanders for their first regular season game in their new arena, Barclays Center. Like the Rangers, the Islanders are talented and fast. And also like the Rangers, their speed should pose a challenge to a Hawk lineup still trying to get acclimated with numerous new faces. Viktor Svedberg is definitely in on defense tonight—no official word on who sits but David Rundblad is probably the best bet. Viktor Tikhonov practiced on the third line yesterday, with Kyle Baun replacing Marian Hossa (rest day) on line 1. Baun did not play very well Wednesday night versus the Rangers, and Tikhonov could get the call tonight.
PROJECTED LINEUPS
Blackhawks
Teravainen Toews Hossa Panarin Anisimov Kane Bickell Shaw Tikhonov Desjardins Kruger Garbutt
Keith Hjalmarsson Svedberg Seabrook Daley van Riemsdyk
Crawford
Islanders
Lee Tavares Strome Bailey Nielsen Okposo Nelson Grabovski Kulemin Martin Cizikas Clutterbuck
Leddy Boychuk De Haan Hamonic Strait Zidlicky
Greiss
I’ll have a recap tomorrow.
JJ