With Patrick Kane Scratched from Lineup, Hawks Look to Cool the Flames

The Chicago Blackhawks will be looking to end their mini two-game losing streak at the United Center on Sunday night, but they will have to do it without their leading scorer.

Patrick Kane, hobbled by a high ankle sprain suffered in the team's December 30th loss to the Red Wings, will be out of the line-up for the first time in his career on Sunday night, when the Hawks take on the Flames in a battle of top-tier Western Conference foes.

"I have to fight through those things as time goes on," Kane told the NHL's official Web site. "You're never going to be completely healthy out there. It was tough for me (playing in the Winter Classic)."

According to various stories, it is unclear whether or not Kane will miss any more time. But the fact remains that it is difficult to replace the 41 points he has racked up thus far this season.

Making the situation even more daunting is that these Flames have not lost a game since the Blackhawks defeated them on December 19th, winning five games in a row. They also have not lost in regulation since December 9th, and are 7-0-3 in that time.

Miikka Kiprusoff has also been dominant recently, winning five straight starts to up his league-leading total in wins to 23, and he has a career 2.50 GAA against the Blackhawks in his career.

For the Hawks, they are guarding heavily against what could be a trap game, a game after one of the biggest contests in any of their young careers. It's pretty easy to see why there would be a let down after the Classic, and it will be interesting to see how they react.

Nikolai Khabibulin will likely get the start this evening, judging by his career 20-5-0 (with two ties), and career 2.06 GAA against the Flames.

Hawks Player to Watch:

Ben Eager, RW No. 55

Ben Eager has some big shoes to fill on the first line with the absence of Patrick Kane. It will be up to him to try to set up teammates Troy Brouwer and Patrick Sharp on fast breaks, and he will also need to be able to turn around and shoot himself if need be.

He still has offensive touch, as evidenced by his two goal performance earlier in the season, and he will need all of that tonight against a hot goaltender and a stifling offense.