Blackhawks-Kings: Chicago Looks To Keep Ball Rolling in Los Angeles

Game Preview:

The Chicago Blackhawks will continue their eight-game road trip in Los Angeles as they take on the Los Angeles Kings. The Blackhawks will be playing in their second of back-to-back games, while the Kings will be playing their first game since the All-Star break.

The 'Hawks had a rough time in Anaheim on Wednesday night, but were able to squeak by with a 3-2 win. Tonight, the 'Hawks will have to be sharper on the defensive end and attack the Kings rather than sitting on their heels.

The Kings were hot before the All-Star break, recording five points in six games and they look to continue their points streak tonight. They were able to take the first game against the 'Hawks and did so in convincing fashion, 5-2.

To win tonight's game, the 'Hawks will need to be aggressive offensively and put plenty of shots on the Kings' net. The 'Hawks would also like to see another solid performance in net, whether it be by Nikolai Khabibulin or Cristobal Huet. 

My guess would be that Huet will get the start since Khabibulin was in net last night, but I will update the situation as we get closer to game time.

Here is hoping that the 'Hawks can put another notch in their belt for this long road trip. Go 'Hawks.

Players To Watch:

Patrick Sharp

Goals have been difficult for Patrick Sharp to come by over his last 10 games as he only has one goal over that time period. But, tonight that might be coming to an end. Sharp has been very good against the Los Angeles Kings in his career with eight goals in 10 career games against them.

Sharp will also likely be paired with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane once again, so you know he will be given opportunities to put the puck in the net. 

Martin Havlat

Probably the hottest player entering the All-Star break was Martin Havlat, and on Wednesday night he had another solid game recording an assist against the Ducks.

But Havlat has not had good career numbers against the Kings with eight points in 11 games. Those numbers don't sound so bad, but he is also a minus-five in those 11 games. Even with is sub-par career numbers against the Kings, look for his hot play to continue.

Projected Lineup 

Forwards

Ladd-Toews-Sharp

Havlat-Bolland-Kane

Brouwer-Adams-Byfuglien

Eager-Fraser-Burish

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Walker

Wisniewski-Braker

Goal

Huet