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Games 55-56 vs Stars

May 9, 2021, 3:06 AM ET [100 Comments]
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Yesterday was the last practice of the season and today is the start of the last series of the season as the Stars roll into the United Center. The 2-game set is also the first time fans will be in the stands, at least those who aren't family of players or season-ticket holders.

An interesting storyline to end the season is whether the starting goalie for each of these last 2 games is a predictor to who will be a part of the 2021-22 goalie tandem. There are a number of scenarios that could be implemented to close out the slate.

One scenario is having Collin Delia play out the string and start both games. Would that be a just reward for him for his season-long patience and perseverance? Or would that indicate a vote of no confidence in either or both Kevin Lankinen and Malcolm Subban?

Another scenario is having Delia split with either Lankinen or Subban. Would this duo translate to who the probable duo is for next season? Similarly, with a third scenario of having Lankinen and Subban split, would this mean they are the duo heading into the fall?

And the last scenario is having either Lankinen or Subban take the reins in both games. If this is the case, would that mean whoever it is has the upperhand to be the 2021-22 starter? And would that also mean the other is vying with Delia for the backup role again?

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Game Days

Game 55, May 9:
Blackhawks vs Stars
6:00pm CST

Game 56, May 10:
Blackhawks vs Stars
7:00pm CST

Records:
Blackhawks, 23-25-6, 52 Pts (6th)
Stars, 22-18-14, 58 Pts (5th)

Season Series:
4-2-0

Goals For/Game:
Blackhawks, 2.80 (17th)
Stars, 2.76 (18th)

Goals Against/Game:
Blackhawks, 3.28 (25th)
Stars, 2.59 (7th)

Power Play:
Blackhawks, 37-169, 21.9% (11th)
Stars, 36-154, 23.4% (7th)

Penalty Kill:
Blackhawks, 114-148, 77.0% (27th)
Stars, 116-147, 78.9% (20th)

The Stars projected lineup (per DailyFaceoff.com):

Kiviranta - Hintz - Pavelski
Robertson - Benn - Seguin
Cogliano - Faksa - Comeau
Kero - Dickinson - Gurianov

Lindell - Klingberg
Oleksiak - Heiskanen
Hanley - Sekera

Khudobin
Oettinger

Also available: Nicholas Caamano (W), Justin Dowling (C), Rhett Gardner (C/W), Joel L'Esperance (C/W), Taylor Fedun (D), Mark Pysyk (D), Sami Vatanen (D), Landon Bow (G).

For Dallas, Alexander Radulov (W) is on IR. Martin Hanzal (C), Stephen Johns (D), and Ben Bishop (G) are on LTIR.

And neither the Hawks nor the Stars have any players on the NHL COVID-19 Protocol List.

The Stars fell just short of the 4th seed in the Central Division as the Predators clinched the final berth by beating the Hurricanes last night. The postseason will begin with the Lightning facing the Panthers and Predators facing the Hurricanes in the Central.

The Blackhawks are confirmed to finish in 6th place in the division even if they sweep the Stars who are 6 points ahead. The Red Wings and Blue Jackets each ended with 48 points to place 7th and 8th respectively as Detroit had one more regulation win than Columbus.

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Roster Updates

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Rockford Updates

The IceHogs host the Wild this afternoon with a 4:00pm CST start at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford.

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See you on the boards!

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