Hawks @ Edmonton: Game Day Preview
Since Derek King took over as the interim head coach on Nov. 6, the Blackhawks are 15-14-5 with 36 points. Their .515 points percentage ranks 10th in the Western Conference over that stretch, which means they've been a borderline playoff team for the last three months. However they are trending downwards. The back to back losses vs Minnesota really showed the lack of depth and truthfully, the lack of commitment and urgency. Coming into this game, they are 16-23-7. They are a staggering -44 in goal differential. Ouch.
They will be matched up tonight vs the struggling Edmonton Oilers.
The Oil is 23-17-3, heading into todays matchup. The Oilers typically play well at home, but they lost 4-0 Last night to the Las Vegas Knights. Mike Smith took the loss. He often looks like he has been shot by a gun, when he gives up a goal. The goaltending has been sub par for them this year. Miko Koskinen should start tonight, but he wont because he is in Covid Protocol. His year in Edmonton has not been a bright one. Scrutiny from the coaching staff and media have made things worse. So, we will most likely see Stuart Skinner in net for the Oilers. He has had very limited game time this year. He has gone 5-6 this year. Their scoring has been sporadic this season as well. Hard to imagine with players like McDavid and Draisaitl. The Hawks have to remember though, Edmonton's powerplay is lethal . They are currently ranked 3rd in the league.
Hawks Players to watch: Alex Debrincat, Patrick Kane, Kirby Dach.
Edmonton Players to watch: Ryan Nugent Hopkins, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl.
Pick to Click: Marc Andre Fleury
In order for the Hawks to win, they need to take advantage of the Oil slumping, and having Edmonton starting their 3rd string goalie. Edmonton is on a 3 game skid. Time to take advantage of their slump.
Pick: Chicago to win. 3-2
