It’s game day once again as the long streak of 9 games in 15 days continues. Tonight the Edmonton Oilers come to town and it always makes for a fun match-up when you get to watch two of the top players in hockey. Now most teams fear seeing McDavid on the other bench, but for some reason the Hawks have his number. In 14 career games against Chicago McDavid only has 2 goals and 3 assist at even strength. Absolutely mind blowing stat when you consider most of his career has been against bad Hawk defensive teams. Will that trend continue or will he finally get the monkey off his back and do McJesus things out there?
As for this Oiler team as a whole, they have underperformed this year as they currently are sporting a 4-3 record playing in the god awful Pacific Division. They come in to town on the back half of a back to back games; they beat St. Louis 4-3 last night. This could give the surprising Hawks the advantage as they had the day off on Wednesday following the big win over Florida.
Players to Watch Out For
Leon Draisaitl 3 goals 9 assist 12 points
Connor McDavid 5 goals 5 assist 10 points
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 4 goals 4 assist 8 points
Probable Starter
Jack Campbell 3-2 3.62 GAA .895 SV%
As for the Hawks line up as of posting, there are no projected line ups however I anticipate the old saying if it ain't broke don’t fix it approach. The only change will be who will take Tyler Johnson’s spot on the Toews line. Could Blackwell slide up to that line and then Reese Johnson gets in the line up? I expect Stalock to once again get the nod in goal and anticipate seeing Soderblom for the first time this season on Saturday in Buffalo.
Other Notes
Kyle Davidson made a few minor league trades sending Beaudin to Montreal and Barratt to Philadelphia. These are both players who had more value to the Bowman Era Blackhawks, so this is not shocking. Beaudin, a former first round pick, just was passed up on the depth chart by other prospects and was never going to get a legit shot in Chicago. I like that KD is making moves like this, not only is it right by the players but it is also allowing players who he expects to be apart of this team long term the opportunity to have more ice time in Rockford and help with their development.
Ian Mitchell also had the wrist brace removed so he is getting closer and closer to getting back into the Ice Hogs lineup.
That’s all for me right now, puck drop tonight is 730pm Central Time. Lets Go Hawks!
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»