Preview & Game Thread: Blackhawks vs. Senators

Ottawa Senators (21-28-9) @ Chicago Blackhawks (25-27-8)

7:00PM Central

RADIO: WGN 720

PROJECTED GOALIES:

Chicago:
Anton Forsberg (6-12-3, 2.96 GAA, .908 Save%)

Ottawa:
Mike Condon (4-10-4, 3.40 GAA, .898 Save%)

PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:

Chicago:

Saad-Toews-Wingels
Anisimov-Schmaltz -Kane
DeBrincat-Hartman-Duclair
Bouma-Kampf-Hinostroza

Keith-Oesterle
Dahlstrom-Seabrook
Gustafsson-Murphy

Ottawa:

Hoffman-Duchene-Gaborik
Smith-Brassard-Stone
Paajarvi-Pageau-Pyatt
Mccormick-Shore-Dzingel

Oduya-Karlsson
Borowiecki-Ceci
Claesson-Chabot

STATISTICAL COMPARISIONS:

Power Play:

Chicago 16.0% (29^th)
Ottawa 16.4% (28^th)

Penalty Kill:

Chicago 82.6% (6^th)
Ottawa 74.3% (29^th)

Corsi FOR % (5-on-5):

Chicago 53.47% (3^rd)
Ottawa 46.89% (29^th)

Faceoffs:

Chicago 49.6% (18^th)
Ottawa 51.6% (T-7^th)

SUMMARY:

With the February 26 trade deadline steadily approaching, what is happening off the ice seems to be more important than what is happening on it, especially with the Blackhawks. With new rumors swirling seemingly every minute, there are still games to be played, and for Hawks fans, hours lost watching this dreadful team.

With that being said, there may be some important reasons to watch the last month or so of the season, especially after the trade deadline. Coach Joel Quenneville stood in front of media members yesterday dropping a hint at what may be in store for his team. When asked about lineup decisions, Quenneville had this to say, “Maybe we will be looking at going with some of the younger guys, and seeing how they make the decision for us going forward or not.”

Although Quenneville is always very suttle, I think this is good indication of their plan and what is to come. The new information spilled in yesterday’s interview is good for two reasons: First, it gives the indication that the Blackhawks are finally understanding they won’t make the playoffs, and are shifting their focus to next season. Second, it shows that General Manager Stan Bowman and Quenneville are on the same page. With the Michal Kempny trade, and other rumors about veterans surrounding this team, the quote listed above is evidence the two have at least had conversations on the plan moving forward.

I am not sure even Bowman knows what will happen before the deadline Monday afternoon, but I know he and most Blackhawks fans are hoping some significant moves are made. It is imperative the team opens room on the roster for John Hayden, Matthew Highmore, Dylan Sikura, Gustav Forsling, and others, to possibly make their way to the NHL lineup.

No one in their right mind can expect better results from this roster next season, so they must take advantage of their remaining games to find out what they have. This will allow the team to better evaluate the talent within the organization, and prepare for this offseason. Not to mention, playing younger guys should help the Blackhawks secure a better draft pick, which would also help this organization down the road.

Tonight, the quest for Rasmus Dahlin continues as the Blackhawks take on the Ottawa Senators at the United Center. Although the Sens have been extremely disappointing this season, they have won two out of their last three games, and have some offensive firepower. Captain Erik Karlsson, Matt Duchene, and winger Mike Hoffman present a real threat to score every time they hit the ice.

The Hawks will also continue their commitment to, “play the young guys,” as Anthony Duclair will be back in the lineup after a few healthy scratches, and Anton Forsberg will once again get the nod in net.

We’ll recap tonight or tomorrow AM. Join the conversation below!

Follow: @CoachMajewski