Chicago Blackhawks seeking a new winning run as they face Columbus Blue Jackets – NHL Preview
Chicago Blackhawks eventually managed to snap their awful nine-game losing streak on Thursday and they are now hoping to initiate a run that would provide them the much needed damage control to revamp their tarnished image.
Blackhawks have got first win of this month and now it is time for them to justify their presence in the safe zone of the National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference.
The final game of their nine-game road trip will be played on Saturday, February 18, 2012, against Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets are going to face the Blackhawks, who are still considered a feeble unit by many, but still the Blue Jackets cannot be rated favourites against Chicago.
Columbus is placed at the bottom of the Western Conference with meagre 40 points after 57 games.
The Blue Jackets have won four of their last seven games. This coupled with Blackhawks’ pathetic run in the month will be at the advantage of Blue Jackets.
In their last game, Blue Jackets outscored St. Louis Blues, who had gained lead in the first period.
However, Columbus scored a goal in the same period to level the score and got another goal in the final period to secure the victory.
Columbus’ winger, Derek Dorsett, said after the win:
"We played hard. We've just got to make sure we play that way the rest of the season and show (everyone) that we do care. We want to win as many games as possible. It doesn't matter what's at stake. If we have to be the spoilers, then we'll be the spoilers."
Blackhawks
Blackhawks think that the drought is over now, but they have to prove it to make others believe the same way.
Against New York Rangers, Blackhawks played remarkably well and considering the slump they were in, the performance deserves some extra applause.
Chicago dominated the Rangers right from the start and scored four goals in the first period. The defence also did reasonably well and only allowed one goal each in the second and third period to seal the victory.
Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane said after the game:
“Everyone got a little confidence out of it, and I think everyone got pretty excited.”
He added:
"Everyone was pumped up for this game to kind of prove ourselves, not that we can win a game but we can also beat one of the best teams in the league, too. It shows that this team has potential."
Predictions
Blackhawks will win.
The sum of goals scored will stay under six.
In case of Blue Jackets’ victory, the goal difference will be less than two.
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