PREGAME: Chicago Blackhawks vs Vegas Golden Knights Everything YOU Need to Know

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Syd
April 27, 2022 (1:12 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks are rounding the end of the regular season and will play their last game at home tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Hawks have the potential to eliminate the Knights from playoff contention with a win at the United Center. After tonight's matchup, Chicago will play their final game on Friday away at Buffalo.

Per this morning's skate, Kevin Lankinen (G) will start in net with Colin Delia backing.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 7:30 p.m. CST
WHERE: NBCSCH, ESPN+, ATTSN-RM

Blackhawks Record: 27-42-11 (65 Points, 7th � Central Division)
Blackhawks Last Game: 3-1 Win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, April 25th

Golden Knights Record: 42-31-7 (91 Points, 4th � Pacific Division)
Golden Knights Last Game: 3-2 OT Loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, April 26th

Last Meeting: Chicago faced Vegas back on March 26th and fell in overtime after 3 unanswered goals in the third period. Starting off strong with 3 goals, the Blackhawks could not maintain the lead and Evgenii Dadonov scored his 17th of the season to bring Vegas to a win in OT. Derek King must emphasize the importance of a solid defense to avoid last minute mistakes, which has been a common theme this season for the Blackhawks; sometimes it is like they are shooting themselves in the foot. Frustrations continue on and off the ice for teammates and fans, but the hope of a successful rebuild is still on the table.

Closing Remarks: Going off of talks of the rebuild, Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat spoke with the media yesterday to provide some insight on where their heads are as the season comes to a close. Take a listen:
https://twitter.com/_phil_thompson/status/1518989389313019904?s=21&t=Io4DRkzRFTAKaA5BjHcf-w

A Look Towards Vegas: Vegas is in a much more precarious situation right now compared to the Blackhawks, especially after their 3-2 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars last night. Right now, Dallas needs one point over their last two games to secure the last wildcard spot, however, the Golden Knights would need to win out their remaining games while Dallas would need to lose out in regulation. Logan Thompson (G) put on a seller performance throughout regulation, overtime, and the extended shootout. Unfortunately, in the seventh round, Miro Heiskanen scored, further pushing the Stars to a playoff berth. Vegas has been in the playoffs every season since their inaugural season and would be out of contention if the Blackhawks were able to secure a win tonight. Thompson is expected to start, as on Monday it was released that Robin Lehner would undergo surgery on his left shoulder, ending his season.