The Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings are easily one of the top rivalries amongst the Original Six teams. Providing plenty of fireworks during the playoffs and regular season, both teams are doing well this season and will likely contend for their respective conference titles.
Chicago is attempting to earn its eighth-straight win as they aim to take advantage of the banged up Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks are currently second in the Western Conference after beating the NHL-leading Anaheim Ducks on Friday. They followed that up with a win over Boston in a Stanley Cup rematch. The team is content remaining in second while stringing together several impressive wins.
The Blackhawks defense is putting up strong numbers. During their four-game win streak, the team allowed just four goals overall. Against the Red Wings, they hold a 21-9 goal advantage while winning seven-straight regular season games. Marian Hossa has the best stats against Detroit, putting up five goals and two assists in his last five games against the team. Corey Crawford has put together good numbers, stopping 53 of 57 shots against the Ducks and Bruins combined. He has a 1.70 goals-against average.
The Red Wings will be attempting to win without star goalie, Jimmy Howard. The veteran suffered a knee injury. He is slated to represent the United States in the Olympics next month and could be forced to miss some time to rest. On top of Howard, Detroit will be without Pavel Datsyuk, Daniel Alfredsson and Johan Franzen. All players have missed significant time as Jonathan Ericsson is poised to return to the lineup.