Game Day Preview: �Fleurys' on todays forecast? Injury updates and more
Last year at this time, Hawks were in the midst of their 9 game losing streak before firing Jeremy Colliton. Now, their record is better than the Wild's. With 4 games in the win column, 3 regulation losses, and one OT loss, they have played exactly as many games as Minnesota - but Minnesota's wins and losses numbers are switched. Not something you'd expect from a team who's very familiar with the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and who recently acquired a Future HoF goaliewho looks strikingly similar to a goalie Chicago had a year ago, as well
Marc-André Fleury will face off against Alex Stalock, who's been nothing short of phenomenal between the pipes for the Hawks during Petr Mrazek's injury absence. In fact, both Stalock (.913) and Soderblom (.911) have better SV% than Fleury (.879) and Gustavsson (.878). On general team stats, they're fairly evenly matched, with the exception of the face-offs wins, on which Chicago has the upper hand.
After losing a 3-1 lead in Buffalo, and falling 4-3 in OT, the Hawks will definitely be ready to show off their discipline and determination. And despite the low attendance, the Hawks' faithful provide energy and inspiration to their team. No doubt there will be some Fleury jerseys in the house - on both sides - but there is no shortage of love for Stalock among the fans.
On the other side, Minnesota is also coming off a loss to Detroit, which I don't think they were expecting. They will also be looking to prove themselves, knowing they're better than what they've been showing.
It's a perfect rivalry game that will provide fantastic entertainment for a Sunday night.
Injury report - Seth Jones is expected to be out 3-4 weeks with a right thumb injury.
| POLL | ||
Who scores first? | ||
| Kane | 23 | 26.1 % |
| Domi | 18 | 20.5 % |
| Toews | 19 | 21.6 % |
| Other | 28 | 31.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
