Blackhawks-Capitals Preview: Blackhawks Look for First Win in D.C.

After a devastating loss to the New York Rangers on opening night, they look to get off the shnide versus Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Cristobal Huet will not get to face his former team as Denis Savard will give Nikolai Khabibulin the start against the Caps. Khabibulin is 8-5-3 versus the Capitals in his career with a 2.00 GAA and a .916 save percentage.

The Blackhawks had a problem with capitalizing off scoring chances and missed the net a lot with golden scoring opportunities. Hopefully tonight versus a team that is weaker defensively than the Rangers they can get more opportunities and convert as well.

The Blackhawks' defense will have their hands full with the reigning Hart trophy winner Ovechkin, and if they want to "contain" him then they will need to take the body early and often, unlike in last night's game.

I think this will be the game in which the Blackhawks will get their first win of the season, but I think it will be a shoot out with Khabibulin, seeing his first game actions since the end of last season.

My Prediction

Chicago Blackhawks win, 5-4

The Lineup (Updated)

Forward Lines:

Versteeg-Toews-Havlat
Byfulgien-Sharp-Kane
Ladd-Bolland-Skille
Fraser-Burish-Adams

Defensive Pairings:

Keith-Seabrook
Sopel-Campbell
Hendry-Walker

In Net:

Nikolai Khabibulin

News and Notes

Niklas Hjalmarsson is out day to day with a rib injury.