Blackhawks-Red Wings: Chicago Looks For First Win Against Detroit This Season

Even though it isn't January 1, the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings will be playing a very important game for both organizations.

The 'Hawks are currently on a nine-game winning streak and are looking to make it ten before they enter the Winter Classic.

For the Red Wings they must realize that 'Hawks are right in their rear-view window.

The 'Hawks have been running on all cylinders since their last loss to the Red Wings which was their last loss. Through these last nine games, the 'Hawks have been averaging at least four goals per game while only allowing an average of 1.33.

The 'Hawks have also been flourishing with the great play of their third line consisting of Andrew Ladd, Dave Bolland and Martin Havlat.

As for the Red Wings, they have also been playing well—5-3-1 since they last faced the 'Hawks. Although they have not won nine straight, they have been playing very well—and of course scoring goals. The biggest problem for the Red Wings all season has been their goaltending—or lack thereof.

This will be both teams' final game before the Winter Classic, and both teams look to gain momentum on Tuesday night with a win.

Keys to Chicago's Success

1. Pepper the Detroit Goal

Whether the Red Wings' netminder is Ty Conklin or Chris Osgood, the 'Hawks will need to get pucks on net early and often. Both games that the two teams have played have been high scoring affairs—and for the 'Hawks to win they will need to score.

2. Solid Goaltending of their own

They will need good goaltending of their own against a high powered Detroit offense. The Wings have score 11 goals against the 'Hawks in two games  this season, and that number will need to decrease for the 'Hawks to come out victorious.

3. Stay Out of the Box

Do not give the Wings better chances to score on the man advantage. The Wings have many weapons with Hossa, Lidstrom, Holmstrom and Franzen, so you do not want to give them power-play chances. The 'Hawks penalty kill is good but if they hit the box a lot it will be hard to keep the puck out of the net.

Players to Watch

James Wisniewski

Wisniewski has has an immediate impact since his return to the Chicago line-up recording four points and has also logged an average of 18:35 per game. He is also starting to see some time on the power play, he has a heavy shot similar to Cam Barker (a little less accurate).

If you have not had a chance to check him out since his return then I would suggest watching him tonight against the Wings, he saves his best hits for the Wings.

Dave Bolland

Here is a kid that has seem to have gone unnoticed this season in Chicago, "third line" center Dave Bolland has put up 21 points and has a plus/minus rating of nine. He and the rest of the third line have been the major reason for the 'Hawks current win streak and if he can find the score sheet then the 'Hawks stand a better chance to win.

Bolland is known as a very good two-way player so try watching him at both ends of the ice.

Projected Line Up

Forwards

Brouwer-Sharp-Kane

Versteeg-Toews-Byfuglien

Ladd-Bolland-Havlat

Eager-Fraser-Adams

Defense

Keith-Seabrook

Campbell-Barker

Wisniewski-Walker

Goaltender

TBA (Likely Khabibulin)