Game 45

Date: Saturday, January 11th, 2020

Time: 5:30 PM PT

Location: United Center

TV: ESPN+, Prime

Radio: AM 830

Your Enemy: Second City Hockey

Chicago is the first stop of a five-city roadtrip for the Anaheim Ducks. This trip will actually overlap with the NHL All-Star Break, which means that the team will be actually away from home for nearly three weeks.

The Ducks are 1-4-1 in their last six games, with only 39 points this mid-point in the season putting them at dead last in not only the division but also the West. This team is also the lowest-scoring team in the conference averaging only 2.55 goals per game. Womp womp.

Well the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t much better. They may have five more points than the Ducks, but they too are dead last in their division having gone 19-20-6 thus far in the season. Like the Ducks, they too are coming into tonight’s game off a two-game losing streak after losing to both the Nashville Predators and the Calgary Flames.

The Ducks may be lacking sorely in the offensive department, but on the flipside, the Blackhawks are desperate need of improved defense. The Blackhawks have given up 19 goals in their last five games.

Players to Watch

Despite his team’s standings, Patrick Kane still remains lethal, ranking ninth in the league with 56 points (24G-32A). The Ducks will need to keep in check in order to reduce the damage the Blackhawks have offensively.

With Silfverberg out with a lower body injury, Adam Henrique and Rickard Rakell will need to step up to provide more support in the goals department. In particular, Rakell really does need to start showing up to games offensively. He’s only posted ten goals this season with his last being scored back before the holiday break in Philly.