Blackhawks-Red Wings: Chicago Looks To Take Round Two From Detroit

Game Preview:

Ding! Ding! Let round two of the 2008-2009 regular season series between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks begin. The Blackhawks will be visiting Joe Louis Arena for the second round bout with their Original Six rival Red Wings. 

The 'Hawks are coming off a big 4-2 win versus the Anaheim Ducks in which Jonathan Toews scored the game winning goal with two minutes left to go in the game. Tonight however, the 'Hawks will face an opponent that is within their division and has been playing quite well.

The Red Wings are heading into the game on a two game winning streak and look to take their second straight win against the 'Hawks this season. The last game between the 'Hawks and Red Wings saw the game go to a shootout, where Marian Hossa launched a slap shot past Nikolai Khabibulin.

Tonight, hopefully we can get an equally entertaining game, yet with a different outcome for the 'Hawks. See my keys to the game for a more in-depth analysis on what the 'Hawks need to do in order to succeed against the Red Wings.

Chicago Keys to Success:

1. Shut Down Marian Hossa: He, along with Brian Campbell were the two biggest free agent acquisitions of the summer. Campbell has paid dividends, but Hossa has played out of his mind lately. Hossa now leads the Red Wings in goals with 14 and as goes Hossa goes the Red Wings, if he is a non-factor then the 'Hawks will have a good chance.

2. Goal-tending: Cristobal Huet is 1-1-1 in his three consecutive starts since Nikolai Khabibulin went down with injury. This will be his most difficult test and if he can play like he did versus the Ducks, then he will give the 'Hawks a good chance to win the game.

3. Don't Take Stupid Penalties: Detroit is a very offensively charged team and if the 'Hawks plan on staying in the game then they need to stay out of the box as much as possible. 

Player(s) to Watch:

Patrick Kane

Kane has played very well, especially against the Red Wings. He scored the tying goal against the Detroit in their last meeting and has become the 'Hawks biggest play-maker this season. Look for more of the same tonight in Detroit, even with everyone looking for him, he will find a way to affect the outcome of this game

Cristobal Huet

This is a big game for Huet because if he is able to play well versus a very good Detroit team, he might reclaim his starting position. Huet has been solid most of the season, but if he is great or even just good then he might pave the way for the 'Hawks to trade Nikolai Khabibulin and bring in another scoring presence. 

Projected Line-Up

Forwards

Versteeg-Toews-Byfuglien

Brouwer-Sharp-Kane

Ladd-Bolland-Havlat

Eager-Fraser-Adams

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Barker

Walker-Sopel

Goal-tending

Huet

Chicago Blackhawks News and Notes:

Nikolai Khabibulin is listed as very doubtful for the Blackhawks game versus the Phoenix Coyotes. Khabibulin has skated for three consecutive days and has participated in off-ice workouts this week.

It is uncertain whether Adam Burish will be available this weekend. Burish has been out since he took a shot off of his ankle in practice before the Circus Road Trip. Craig Adams will likely take Burish's place on the fourth line.