Blackhawks-Sharks: Chicago Looks for Respect in San Jose

Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks will travel to San Jose to take on the San Jose Sharks at the Shark Tank.

The 'Hawks played the Sharks just 10 days ago, leading into the third period until defensive breakdowns, penalties, and sub-par goaltending dashed Chicago's hopes of beating the West's best. 

The 'Hawks look to make tonight different. It seems as though the 'Hawks have grown since playing the Sharks, with three straight road wins going into tonight's game.

The 'Hawks will have quite a fight on their hands, as Evegni Nabokov will make his return to the San Jose net. Nabokov has had the Chicago's number, winning nine straight decisions versus the 'Hawks.

This game will teach us much about the 'Hawks, and their legitimacy as a top team in the Western Conference. Currently, the 'Hawks find themselves sixth in the West, behind the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild, and San Jose Sharks.

If the 'Hawks can knock off the Sharks tonight, it will show the rest of the league that they are a legitimate contender in the West.

Although it is still early in the season, tonight's game will tell fans and the media whether or not the 'Hawks will be a consistent contender over the entire season, or a team that will just scrape by the entire season. 

Chicago's Keys to Success:

1. Penalties

Last game against the Maple Leafs, the 'Hawks were able to reduce their penalties to three, which were all collected in the second period. This lack of man advantages for the Maple Leafs helped keep the 'Hawks in the game, and led to their overtime win.

2. Power Play

The Sharks have a potent offense and have a solid defense.  In order to score against them, it must be done on the powerplay. If the 'Hawks plan on winning against the Sharks, they must execute on the powerplay.

Players to Watch:

Brian Campbell

Campbell makes his return to the Shark Tank after leading the Sharks to the playoffs last season. Campbell has been a great addition to the Blackhawks' blue line, with 16 points in 19 games with the 'Hawks. He looks to continue his early success against his old mates. Look for Campbell to get a good reception from Sharks fans. 

Dave Bolland

Bolland has quietly become one of the best producers for the 'Hawks this season, with 12 points in 19 games. Bolland scored the game-winning goal against the Maple Leafs on Saturday, and looks to continue his road success versus the Sharks.

Bolland did not face San Jose last season, but look for him to be a big part of the 'Hawks offense tonight.

Chicago Blackhawks Projected Line-Up:

Forwards

Versteeg-Toews-Kane

Brouwer-Sharp-Havlat

Ladd-Bolland-TBA*

Burish-Fraser-TBA*

* Unknown because of Dustin Byfuglien's status

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Barker

Johnson-Walker

Goaltender

Nikolai Khabibulin (until further notice)

It is unsure whether or not Dustin Byfuglien will be in the 'Hawks line-up. Byfuglien is said to have an upper-body injury and has been day-to-day. 

Ben Eager has been very effective in the absence of Byfuglien, and if he is once again out of the lineup, look for Eager to make a major impact on this game.

It is likely that Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start tonight against the Sharks because of Cristobal Huet's poor performance against the Sharks 10 days ago.