Chicago Blackhawks face a tough challenge as they face the surging Ottawa Senators – NHL Preview
The month of February saw the downfall of Chicago Blackhawks and an impressive surge from Ottawa Senators.
Thanks to the victories, Senators have secured a spot in the comfort zone of National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference and fortunately for Blackhawks, they are still in the safe zone of the Western Conference.
As both these sides prepare to face each other on Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the odds are certainly favouring the Senators.
Here is a look at both these teams.
Blackhawks
Blackhawks started the last month on a three-game losing streak, which was stretched to nine games as the team struggled to find its rhythm.
In an attempt to recover, they commendably won four games in a row, but lost three straight after that.
However, they managed to snap that short skid in the last game after defeating Toronto Maple Leafs.
Leafs scored three goals in the first period while Blackhawks managed two, but the latter dominated the next two periods to get the victory.
Blackhawks got two goals in the second period without conceding any and both teams scored apiece in the final period as the final score settled at 5-4.
Pleased Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, said after the game:
"I look back over the season and this game stands out as far as puck possession, threat to score off the rush, in-zone, time of possession.”
Blackhawks are placed at sixth spot in the Western Conference with 75 points after 65 games.
Senators
Senators’ start to the last month was not very much pleasing as they lost three games in a row, but they managed to come back strongly and won seven out of the last nine games.
At present, they are on a two-game winning streak with the recent wins coming against New York Islanders (5-2) and Boston Bruins (1-0).
Senators are ranked at sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with 76 points after 65 games and stand a strong chance of reaching the playoffs.
However, they should not get complacent and keep on building on the performance with every game.
Predictions
Senators have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might exceed six.
If Blackhawks win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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