Blackhawks-Maple Leafs: Chicago Looks to Continue Road Success In Toronto

Game Preview

So far so good for the Chicago Blackhawks on their circus road trip, with two straight wins versus the Phoenix Coyotes and the Dallas Stars. Tonight they will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in an original six match-up.

Both teams find themselves coming into the game with rumors swirling. For the Maple Leafs it is the thought that Brian Burke might be coming to their front office. While the 'Hawks find themselves amidst trade rumors for Washington Capitals center Michael Nylander.

It seems as though neither of these rumors will come to fruition by tonight's game so that is what we will talk about. The Leafs come into the game on a two game losing streak and 4-5-0 in the month of November. 

This season the Leafs have been lead by Matt Stajan and Nik Antropov in the scoring department with 17 and 15 points respectively. The Leafs starting goaltender, Vesa Toskala, has had a below average year with a 7-6-3 record, 87.8 save percentage, and a 3.23 goals allowed average.

The 'Hawks, however, have had a far different season from the Leafs. Their goaltending tandem has been solid and they have scored in bunches with three players at a point per game pace. 

Even though both teams seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum expect this original six match to still provide an exciting game.

Chicago Blackhawks' Keys to the Game

1. Penalties: This has been a major problem for the 'Hawks in the last few weeks. Even though they have a strong penalty kill you cannot continue to lean on it because recently it has shown signs of ineffectiveness. 

2. Turnovers: In the last few games the 'Hawks have been able to cut down on the turnovers and they must continue this tonight because if they do not the turnovers will come back to haunt them.

3. Themselves: With all this trade talk and how Dustin Byfuglien or Brent Sopel might be on their way out, the rest of the team must not let that get to their heads or it could lead to disaster. They must realize that any trade is out of their hands and that they just need to go out and play their game.

Player(s) to Watch

Ben Eager

Dustin Byfuglien is once again an "unhealthy" scratch so look for Eager to jump up to the third line once again. Eager had a goal and assist in the last game versus the Stars so tonight when Eager gets the call make sure to keep your eye on him. 

Jonathan Toews

Patrick Kane and Kris Versteeg have been getting a lot of the credit for the success of the 'Hawks thus far this season, but Toews has been doing all the little things. He has been winning face offs, winning battles in the corners, and standing up for his teammates, things that you ask for in your first line center and captain.

Although he has only put up two goals and 14 points he still is producing and I hope that he finds the back of the net in Toronto.

Chicago Blackhawks Projected Line-Up

Forwards:

Versteeg-Toews-Kane

Brouwer-Sharp-Havlat

Ladd-Bolland-Eager

Burish-Fraser-Adams

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Barker

Johnson-Walker

Goal-Tender

Khabibulin