Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars ready to face off – NHL Preview
Dallas Stars’ undefeated run in the season was snapped in their last game, but they still are capable of outclassing other opponents quite easily.
Chicago Blackhawks, on the other hand, are struggling to be consistent, but have managed to retain their position in the safe zone of National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference.
Both sides are going to face each other on Friday, March 16, 2012, at American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Stars
They are leading the Pacific Division and that’s why hold third spot in the Western Conference with 83 points after 71 games.
They won six straight games this month before losing against Winnipeg Jets in the last game.
Stars were completely helpless against Jets as the latter scored one goal in the first period and added four more in the second.
Stars got their first scoring move towards the end of the second period. They got another in the final, but could not put up more scoring moves and lost the game.
Stars’ goaltender, Richard Bachman, said after the game:
"I mean, obviously Winnipeg played a great game. They were moving the puck and they were good in transition. I think them having a little bit of rest, their legs were moving extremely good."
He added:
"I think there were times when I was tracking it pretty well and reading the play pretty well and other times when I just wasn't clicking."
Blackhawks
Blackhawks have won four out of six games played this month with the recent victory coming against St. Louis Blues.
Blackhawks got the first scoring move of the game early in the first period, but Blues got three goals in the same period.
However, Blackhawks rallied strongly and scored one goal each in the next two periods without conceding any.
As the score was tied, 3-3, the game was forced to overtime, which went goalless and shootout was called. Blackhawks got the only goal of the shootout and won the game.
Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, said of the goaltender, Corey Crawford:
"In a tough spot, the game's on the line, you haven't played in a while, we know the importance of it, and (Corey Crawford) responded the way we were hoping he'd respond. That's good for him and great for us.”
Blackhawks are ranked at sixth spot in the Western Conference with 84 points after 71 games.
Predictions
A tough competition is on the cards with Blackhawks having a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Stars win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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