5 Chicago Blackhawks to Watch in Showdown with Detroit Red Wings

The Chicago Blackhawks finally get to square off with their long-time rivals from Detroit. Better late than never.

Almost three months into the 2011-12 season, the Blackhawks and Red Wings open their season series in the United Center Friday night. This Original Six matchup is always highly anticipated by both sides of the rivalry, but this is an especially promising game.

Chicago has won seven of its last 10 and lead the NHL (with the Canucks, go figure) with 50 points. The Red Wings have also won seven of their last 10 and are right behind the 'Hawks in the Central Division standings.

There's a lot to watch to be sure. Here are five Blackhawks you may want to keep a close eye on as they tangle with Detroit.

5. Michael Frolik

In his last 21 games, Frolik has two goals and an assist. He has a minus-seven rating right now. He's been toiling on the fourth line. Why not play a hunch and expect a big night for him?

It appears that Frolik will skate on the third line with Dave Bolland and Bryan Bickell Friday. Bolland's got points in his last two games and Bickell has shown signs of a pulse this week.

I'm rooting for Frolik to put up a multi-point effort soon. Doing it against Detroit would be fine with me.

4. Corey Crawford

Crawford has built momentum since returning to net December 21st in a 5-1 win over Montreal. He took the loss Wednesday against the Kings, but did stop 36 of 38 shots—including a Mike Richards penalty shot in the second period.

Crawford was 4-1 against the Red Wings last season, holding Detroit to an average of two goals a game. With Ray Emery also playing well, Quenneville elected to stay with his starter.

Can Crawford continue to trend in a positive direction?

3. Jimmy Hayes

One of the moves made between a 2-0 loss to Los Angeles and Friday's tilt with Detroit was the 'Hawks sending down center Brandon Pirri and recalling Hayes, who was obtained from Toronto in the summer of 2010.

The 6'5", 210-pound wing had five goals and 13 assists for Rockford in the AHL in 28 games. He's not the physical player his size would suggest, but he has improved in this area since leaving Boston College last year.

Watch for Hayes wearing No. 39 on the fourth line as he makes his NHL debut in a big game.

2. Daniel Carcillo

Carbomb has missed the last six games following an upper body (read: head) injury in Minnesota December 14th. All signs are that he will be cleared to play Friday.

Carcillo skated with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa Thursday, so don't be shocked to see him there against Detroit. I also wouldn't be surprised to see him slide down with Kane on a few shifts before the night is out.

Carcillo has been both a help and a hindrance this season. Under the captain's thumb, the hope is that we might see more of the former. For Carcillo, that means playing physical hockey and creating openings for Toews and Hossa.

1. Patrick Kane

The Red Wings will find Kane at center Friday and he will have some new linemates if Thursday's practice is any indication.

Kane lined up with Patrick Sharp and Viktor Stalberg, two of the hottest guys on the club. Coach Joel Quenneville may be looking to spark Kane, who has been on the wing of Jonathan Toews most recently.

Kane has battled strep throat this week. He was held pointless against Columbus and Los Angeles Monday and Wednesday, respectively. In the Kings game, he looked particularly out of sorts in missing on some scoring chances.

Look for Kane's line to factor in the scoring Friday as he continues to regain some strength.