Chicago Blackhawks versus Detroit Red Wings Preview
Chicago Blackhawks at Detroit Red Wings, February 15, 2021
Tonight's Venue: Little Caesars Arena
All-Time DET vs CHI Record at Venue: 2-1-1
Season Series vs CHI: 0-2-0
Goaltender DET: T. Greiss (.901 SV%, 2.91 GAA)
Goaltender CHI: K. Lankinen (.925 SV%, 2.49 GAA)
DraftKings Odds (Use Promo Code THPN at sign up to unlock exclusive offers):
DET Puckline: +1.5 (-245), Moneyline: +112
CHI Puckline: -1.5 (+200), Moneyline: -130
Players to watch (DET): F. Zadina, A. Mantha, R. Fabbri
Players to watch (CHI): P. Kane, A. DeBrincat, D. Keith
Detroit ended their road trip on a high note in music city, playing a sound defensive game against the offensively starved Predators to a final tune of 4-2. Yes, all puns intended.
Bobby Ryan stated in a pre-game interview that the team had finally found their identity as a defensive team. While I, likely with most fans, scoffed at the notion at first, the Wings heavily outshot the Predators through much of the game. Detroit will look to build on that defensive identity as they head home for the first time in 6 games to face Chicago for the third time this season.
The first two outings against Chicago were embarrassing for the Wings. The Blackhawks being a team that has a lesser roster, at least on paper, Chicago absolutely handled the Wings, winning 4-1 and 6-2. This time around, however, the Wings will have a bit more depth to speak of.
Filip Zadina and Robby Fabbri were both absent from the first round of contests between the two clubs due to COVID protocol but will be in the game tonight. Fabbri has been on a goal-scoring tear of late, scoring 3 goals in the last 4 games.
While Zadina's opportunity on the first line with Dylan Larkin hasn't paid out in spades just yet, Zadina's presence on the ice made a noticeable difference when he was out.
Keys to the Game:
🔑 1 : Defensive Identity / Lineup
If the Red Wings want to play as a defensive team, they need to stick to that. Team commitment will go a long way. Jeff Blashill just needs to comprehend that a "defensive identity" does not warrant having a third of the forward group composed of defense-first/only forwards, i.e. Nielsen, Filppula, Erne, Glendening all playing at once. After a few impressive games and a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, Smith should not sit games out.
Chicago scored 10 goals between the first two matches this season. If Detroit wants to identify as a defensive team, this will be a good chance for them to prove that.
🔑 2: Power Play
Detroit's power play has to be better. It's really as simple as that. The Red Wings embarrassing 7.8% on the power play, second to last to only Minnesota (7.1%) is simply not acceptable. All of the games this season where Detroit has narrowly lost could have been won by a more successful powerplay. Of course, personnel can be to blame as only Tyler Bertuzzi has registered power-play goals this entire season, but at some point, the coaching staff needs to get this powerplay operational somehow.
Expecting Detroit to be a league leader on the powerplay is of course absurd, but if they could at least breach the 10% mark they'd be trending in the right direction.
🔑 3: Leaders Need to Lead
Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha currently share the lead in the Red Wings' pursuit of points, with 9 points each, with Mantha playing one less game. While Mantha's scratch seems to have paid off with a point in each of the last two games, Larkin produced only 1 point in the last 6 games.
Mantha needs to keep it going and Larkin needs to get it going again if the Wings are going to be successful on this current homestand.
🔑 4: Details
Many hockey fans have played hockey at some point in their life. Whether they got to the professional scene or simmered out in peewee, we were all taught at one point or another to pay attention to the minor details. This is something the Wings have struggled heavily with this season. Simple plays aren't being completed properly, passes behind or in the skates of their intended targets, lost puck battles, etc. Detroit as a whole needs to iron out the details and get back to basics in order to build success.
🔑 5: Score First
The Blackhawks are 4-0-1 when scoring first in a game and 3-5-3 when their opponent scores first. Their record on the road when their opponent scores first are 1-3-2. Chicago's record in one-goal games this season is currently 0-2.
Detroit's new-found defensive identity, when combined with scoring first against the Hawks, could prove to be a lethal combination and bring home the first consecutive win of the season.
Red Wings vs Blackhawks Predictions
Jesse's Prediction: 3-2 Red Wings
Matt's Prediction: 2-1 Red Wings
Mike's Prediction: 4-2 Red Wings
#LGRW
