Penguins-Blackhawks: Chicago Looks To Get Back on Track against Pittsburgh

Game Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks look to get back to their winning ways at home tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This is the first meeting between the two clubs since Jan. 14, 2006—Sidney Crosby's rookie season—but the Blackhawks might not see Crosby this go-around.

Crosby's status remains uncertain for tonight's game because of a sore groin. He did not play on Tuesday night.

The Penguins will likely be welcoming Chris Kunitz to their lineup after he was acquired Thursday morning from the Anaheim Ducks for defensemen Ryan Whitney. 

As for the Blackhawks, they will look to take advantage of a Crosby-less Penguins team by doing what Crosby does best—score.

The Blackhawks have lost two straight games and will be looking to goaltender Cristobal Huet to give them a solid effort to keep them in the game.

Huet had a poor game against Nashville, allowing four fourth-period goals. Although it's not completely his fault, he will need to be better than that against an offensively charged Penguins team. 

To win, the Hawks will also need to score early and often. The Penguins only allow a little over three goals per game.

If the Hawks can get a solid effort from Huet and consistent goal-scoring opportunities, they will provide themselves with a solid opportunity to end their losing streak.

Players To Watch

Jonathan Toews

The young captain is looking very strong since the All-Star break and has played very well over his last six games with nine points, including five goals. Toews will face the Penguins for the first time in his career, but could enjoy going against the weakened Pittsburgh defense.

Duncan Keith

Keith will be huge against the Penguins. He will need to stop their high-power weapons, namely Evgeni Malkin. In my eyes, I believe that Keith is a Norris Trophy candidate with the highest plus-minus rating among all defensemen. 

He will be tested tonight and will need to prove that he is deserving of being mentioned in the Norris Trophy race.

Chicago's Projected Lineup

Forward

Brouwer-Toews-Kane

Ladd-Bolland-Havlat

Byfuglien-Versteeg-Adams

Eager-Fraser-Burish

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Walker

Barker-Wisniewski

Goalie

Huet