After not playing each other for the first 38 games of the season, the NHL most played rivalry resumes tonight after playing just last week. The good news is that the Blackhawks beat the hated Red Wings to end 2011 on a high note. The bad news is the Hawks have not won a game since, and have not won a game in 2012! Even worse news is that if the Blackhawks don’t snap out of their current losing ways tonight the Red Wings will be passing the Blackhawks up for second place in the Central Division, with the St. Louis Blues passing them for first place last night.
The rivalry has turned in favor of the Blackhawks recently, they were 4-2 last year and 1-0 this year against the Red Wings and hold an all-time record of 163-141-56 record in Chicago versus Detroit.
With the Hawks recent defensive struggles, the offense has strangely struggled at home getting shut out two out of the last three times they have taken the United Center ice. This is too many periods to be played without Chelsea Dagger getting blared throughout the Madhouse on Madison. The offense may get a break tonight without Jimmy Howard in net but Ty Conklin getting the nod. Conklin is 1-4 with a 3.23 GAA . The Hawks should have plenty of opportunities to put the puck in the net tonight! Corey Crawford starts tonight for the Hawks. He is 15-8-2 with a 2.77 GAA
There was some good news on the injury front today with Marcus Kruger practicing today, but he is still on IR. Daniel Carcillo’s injury still has not been diagnosed while he serves his 3rd game of his seven game suspension, how many opinions will it take?? Hmmm 4 more games??
The best rivalry gets national well if you call NBCN (formerly known as Versus) national TV tonight. Hopefully the coverage and the rivalry helps wake up our Blackhawks from there recent winter slumber!!! LETS GO HAWKS!!!
