Blackhawks-Sharks: Chicago Looks to Add to Point Total Against San Jose

Game Preview

Another game has come and gone and the Chicago Blackhawks continue to add to their point total. Tonight the 'Hawks will look to continue their points streak, which has reached six, against the San Jose Sharks.

The 'Hawks come into the game after a hard fought loss to the St. Louis Blues in overtime. They were, however, able to extend their points streak and their flawless record at home in regulation. Unlikely player Dave Bolland led the team with three points of two goals and one assists.  He also had the game tying goal in the third period, but committed a hooking penalty in overtime, which allowed the Blues to score the winning goal.

The Sharks come to Chicago with the NHL's best record and looks as if they might give the 'Hawks their first loss this season at the United Center. The Sharks dominated the 'Hawks last season taking all three meetings but this is a much different team than the one the Sharks previously faced.

The Sharks possess a high powered offense that consists of Jonathan Cheechoo, Joe Thorton and Patrick Marleau but the 'Hawks have quite a bit of fire power of their own in Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews. The 'Hawks will need to continue to attack the Sharks if they get a lead and must not take foolish penalties if they have the lead late.

It sounds like common sense but it is paramount if they want to keep the points streak and the remain undefeated at home.

Chicago Blackhawks Keys to the Game

1. Reduce the penalties: The 'Hawks have been handcuffed by penalties, and if they want to be in the game, they cannot let this powerful Sharks offense get too many man advantages.

2. Do not lean on the third line: The third line scoring in the last few games has been great but you cannot continue to rely on that line to keep producing. Although the 'Hawks have one of the best third lines in the league, the first and second line needs to get back to scoring.

3. Don't be satisfied with the lead: The entire 'Hawks section has been upset with the 'Hawks not collecting wins and all the overtime losses. I agree that if the 'Hawks get a lead tonight they need to continue to play with high intensity and continue to attack the Sharks offensive zone.

Player(s) to Watch

Jonathan Toews

Toews scored two goals against the Sharks last season including his first career goal in his first career game. After a quiet night from the first line against the Blues, look for Toews to try and create some offense for the first line or on the first power play unit.

Dave Bolland

Look for Bolland to play with a chip on his shoulder tonight, even though he had one of his best nights in a Blackhawks uniform. After the game Bolland blamed himself for the loss, when he took a penalty in overtime that led to the game winning goal. Bolland is the No. 2 center on the power play and leads an offensively charged third line.  Look for him to get into the action.

Chicago Blackhawks Project Line-Up

Forwards

Versteeg-Toews-Kane

Brouwer-Sharp-Havlat

Ladd-Bolland-Byfuglien

Burish-Fraser-Eager

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Barker

Johnson-Sopel

Goalie

Huet