Blackhawks-Flames: Chicago Looks To Keep Their Roll on Against Calgary

Game Preview

Well, it has been almost a week, Chicago Blackhawks fans, but Sunday night, the 'Hawks will hit the ice versus the Calgary Flames at the United Center (tickets still avalible). The 'Hawks defeated the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 on Monday and now have had a week off to begin to learn more about Joel Quenneville's system.

Andrew Ladd and Patrick Sharp both had three-point games on Monday and three others contributed two-point games. The 'Hawks also got another solid goaltending performance by Nikolai Khabibulin, and it seems as though the 'Hawks should consider keeping both Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet, since they have both been playing solidly and the offense seems to be on track.

The 'Hawks will welcome three former players to the UC on Sunday evening in Jim Vandermeer, Rene Bouque, and every 'Hawks fan favorite Adrian Aucoin (can't believe I wrote that with a straight face).

Calgary has gotten off to a quick start with a 8-5 record that has been lead by their captain Jarome Iginla and their two offseason acquisitions: Mike Cammalleri and Todd Bertuzzi.

The 'Hawks will also be facing a team, one again, that has played the night before, as the Flames will play the Columbus Blue-Jackets in Columbus. This could mean good things for the 'Hawks, who have had a six day layoff and might be a little sluggish in the early going.

The real tale of the game will be how the 'Hawks and the Flames play in the third period, because the 'Hawks might finally be finding their legs, while the Flames might be losing their legs after playing the night before.

If the game is close going into the third period, I would give the advantage to the well rested Blackhawks. Whatever happens, at least Chicago Blackhawks hockey is finally back, I'm talking to you Tab Bamford and Craig Nuzzo!

Keys to Success for Chicago

1. The Penalty Kill: The story all season has been the success of the 'Hawks' penalty killers, and I think every game from here on out, it should be a key for the 'Hawks success. If they can stop the Flames when they have the man advantage, they will have a good chance of winning.

2. First Line Scoring: True, the first line has been doing its part, but it would be nice to not rely on the Patricks, night in and night out. Last game, the third line stepped it up, and let's hope that versus the Flames Toews and Versteeg can find the back of the net.

3. Keeping Calgary from getting behind the net: The 'Hawks have struggled defending from behind the net and will a good sniping offense in the Flames the 'Hawks will need to cut them off early.Player(s) to Watch

Andrew Ladd

Ladd is coming off of a two goal and three-point game versus the Colorado Avalanche. It seems as though he and his linemates Dustin Byfuglien and Dave Bolland have found their scoring mojo. Look for Ladd to be planted right in front of the Calgary net, looking to add to his three goals on the season

Brian Campbell

Watch to see if Campbell can extend his season point streak to six, as he has an assist in the 'Hawks last five games and is a plus-two in those games. Campbell is giving the 'Hawks everything that they paid for in the offseason and it is looking like he might be on pace for a second straight 60-point season.

Chicago Blackhawks' Projected Lineup

Forwards

Versteeg-Toews-Kane

Brouwer-Sharp-Havlat

Ladd-Bolland-Byfuglien

Burish-Fraser-Eager

Defensemen

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Barker

Johnson-Sopel

Goal Tender

Cristobal Huet

Chicago Blackhawks New and Notes

The Winter Classic drawing has begun and closes on Nov. 28. Here is the link to the Winter Classic drawing.

The NHL All-Star Game fan ballot's were released and Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Brian Campbell all made the ballot. Patrick Sharp was regretfully left off the ballot, but that does not mean he will not make the West's All-Star roster.

Michael Wagner is a Columnist for Bleacher Report and the Community Leader for the Chicago Blackhawks’ section.You can contact him by email  at [e-mail]. You can read some of his past articles here.