PREGAME: Chicago Blackhawks at Arizona Coyotes

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Syd
April 20, 2022 (12:39)

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The Chicago Blackhawks will meet the Arizona Coyotes for the fourth time this season tonight, looking to tie the regular season series 2-2. The two teams met earlier this month on April 3rd, where the Coyotes outshot the Hawks 35-31, respectively, to win in overtime, 3-2. Kirby Dach and MacKenzie Entwistle both did not accompany the team on the three-game road trip, as well as Lukas Reichel, who was sent back to Rockford.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 9:00 p.m. CST
WHERE: NBCSCH+, ESPN+

Blackhawks Record: 25-40-11 (61 Points, 7th � Central Division)
Blackhawks Last Game: 2-5 Loss to Calgary Flames on Monday, April 18

Coyotes Record: 22-49-5 (49 Points, 8th � Central Division)
Coyotes Last Game: 3-5 Loss to Carolina Hurricanes on Monday, April 18

Last Meeting: Sunday, April 3, 2022: At the United Center, Shayne Gostisbehere (D) scored 4:45 minutes into overtime to lead Arizona to the win, 3-2. The Coyotes outshot the Blackhawks 35 to 31.

Rough Month: The Chicago Blackhawks have had a rough time during the month of April, only winning one out of eight games, beating the San Jose Sharks last week, 5-4. Tonight will be kicking off Chicago's last multigame away trip of the season, with only 5 games left after tonight. Patrick Kane (RW) currently has 3 goals and 8 points in his last five games, while DeBrincat (LW) has 6 assists in his last five.

Movements: Cale Morris (G) and Lukas Reichel (LW) were both sent back down to Rockford this week. Morris was called up on Friday after Colin Delia was unavailable against the Nashville Predators due to a death in the family. Reichel was the most recent move and arguably the most confusing as there are not many games left on the season and the first year of his contract was already burned. Reichel picked up his first NHL point against Nashville on Friday, assisting Dominik Kubalik's (LW) second period goal.

Injuries: Kirby Dach and MacKenzie Entwistle did not accompany the team on the three-game away trip due to shoulder injuries. We also got a recent update for Connor Murphy on what the rest of the season will most likely look like. Unfortunately, Murphy looks to be out for the remaining 6 games due to concussion protocol, but an official statement has yet to be made. Dach is pushing through a right shoulder sprain after leaving the game on Monday, but yesterday, Derek King said his injury seems to be healing and it may be day-to-day. Entwistle went straight to the locker room after a hit to the boards in Monday's game as well, also suffering a right shoulder injury. It was unclear if he was going to travel with the team and ultimately, he did not. Hopefully, an update on his status will be provided today.

A Look Towards Arizona: The Coyotes are also suffering a tough season and a tough stretch this month, looking to snap a 7-game losing streak tonight. Neither team is coming into tonight with an advantage, as Arizona also played and lost at home on Monday night to the Carolina Hurricanes. It was a battle of a game, coming back in the second period to reduce the Cane's lead to only one, but Sebastian Aho scored early into the third to seal the deal. 23-year-old Clayton Keller (RW) leads the team in goals and points this year with 28 goals and 63 points. Right-wing Phil Kessel leads the Coyotes in assists, coming in at 39 as the season comes to a close.