Rivalry Renewed: Blues at Blackhawks Game Preview

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Jared
November 16, 2022 (0:06)

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Tonight a rivalry is renewed as the Blackhawks welcome the Blues to the United Center for their first matchup of the season. The Blackhawks are 6-6-3 through 15 games this season and are currently sitting in 4th place in the Western Conference Wild Card standings. The Blues are 6-8 through 14 games and are currently sitting in 8th place in the Western Conference Wild Card standings.

The Blackhawks have cooled off after their stretch of success earlier in the season but are still finding ways to snag points. The Hawks were shutout on home ice by Carolina on Monday evening in a 3-0 game. The Hawks shot themselves in the foot and made some sloppy mistakes that lead to costly goals. The offense has also sputtered as of late but could get back on track against an underwhelming St. Louis team.

Some players to watch in this one for the Hawks are Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Taylor Raddysh. Kane has 3 points in his last 5 games and has been looking more comfortable with the puck as of late. Toews has been lighting up the faceoff circle and will look to continue his hot streak in the dot against a Blues team that ranks 16th in the league in faceoff percentage.

Some players to watch for the Blues are former Hawk Brandon Saad and Pavel Buchnevich. Saad leads the team over the last 5 games in goals with 3 while Buchnevich leads the Blues in assists over the last 5 games with 4.

If the Blackhawks are going to get back on track, tonight is the perfect night to do it. The Blues are on a 3 game win streak, but have been susceptible to blowup games on numerous occasions this season. They rank 27th in the league for goals against per game and 32nd in the league for goals for per game. This is a game that the Hawks can win and take early control of the rivalry for the season.