Detroit Red Wings (6-13-3, 15 points) at Chicago Blackhawks (11-6-4, 26 points) 

2-27-2021

Tonight's Venue: United Center

All-Time DET vs CHI Record at Venue: 31-21-3-8

Season Series vs NSH: 0-3-1

Goaltender Probables

J. Bernier (.918 SV%, 2.59 GAA)

M. Subban (.930 SV%, 2.13 GAA)

DRAFT KINGS ODDS

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DET: Puckline +1.5 (-190), Moneyline +145

CHI: Puckline -1.5 (+155), Moneyline -167

Players to Watch

Players to watch (DET): D. Larkin, E. Svechnikov, A. Mantha

Players to watch (CHI): A. DeBrincat, D. Kubalik, P. Suter

Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks Predictions

Jesse's Prediction: 4-1 Blackhawks

Matt's Prediction: 3-2 Blackhawks

Mike's Prediction: 2-1 Red Wings

For whatever reason, the Chicago Blackhawks have persevered through what appeared to be a tough obstacle to climb at the start of the season, and are now seated comfortably in the top 4 of the Discover Central Division Standings (currently 3rd place with 26 points, but with 2 games up on the 4th place team, Carolina Hurricanes).

Part of their success has come from the 4-0-0 record the Blackhawks have over the struggling Red Wings. The Blackhawks have taken each game the two have played, starting with a 4-1 victory, then 6-2, 3-2, and a 2-0 shutout. While the games have gotten tighter defensively, the resulting winner has stayed the same.

The Red Wings can’t seem to decide if they’d like to lose because of poor special teams, unlucky bounces, swiss cheese goaltending, or a combination of the three.

It should be mentioned that since the Red Wings first clash with Chicago, they had found their identity and were starting to get healthier. This certainly correlates with the last two games finishing with the Red Wings having more puck possession (CF% of 64.18% and 52.54% in games one and two respectively) and stronger value shots on goal (xGF% of 65.60% and 50.81%).

If the Red Wings can keep up this pace of puck ownership with smarter shot selection and puck hungry forwards winning net front puck battles, the Red Wings should be able to finally take down the Blackhawks.

What’s still standing in their way is their 1.25 goals per game against Chicago’s newfound goaltending. Both Kevin Lankenin and Malcolm Subban have figured into Chicago victories this season and neither seemed to struggle more than the other. While Lankenin is surely getting more attention, it’s Subban who is coming into this weekend series, having just shutout the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Keys to the Game (DETvs NSH)

1. Throw bodies at the net - This key might be less about what they’ve done against the Blackhawks this season and more to do with how they beat the Predators.
   
   Glendening earned a hard-nosed offensive result in a huge High Danger scoring chance, which was Luke knocking in from his own rebound. The Erne goal was some of the same luck, coming from a net-front presence (albeit because he was skating to the net and not planted there) and a solid rebound effort.
   
   Long story short, we got scoring because our 4th line was willing to much it up in front of the net. Puck luck says those bounces will probably not go our way two games in a row, but it’s a great strategy for the first period. Adjust your style for the 2nd and 3rd.
   
   
   

2. Throw pucks at the net - With Larkin’s post shots, he can’t be too long for seeing his name pop up on the box score.
   
   For others not named Sam Gagner, Glendening, Helm, or Erne, just take the shot. No more passing up shots on the breakaway for a “sexy looking” pass. Just shoot the damn thing and break some noses. That’s the only way we’re going to find more tallies in our favor.
   
   

3. Special Teams - Not surprising anyone here. Score on the power play.
   
   From a penalty Kill perspective, the entire league has trouble stopping Patrick Kane, so the Red Wings need to play a responsible game to prevent Patrick Kane from getting a man advantage. That’s the only way this team will finally get over the hump.

While Chicago continues to hold onto a playoff spot, it’s still safe to say that they could fall at any moment. Even though the Blue Jackets don’t look too interested in winning, they aren’t too far behind and the Blackhawks are still the same ‘damaged’ team that started this season.

I bring that up because I feel the Red Wings have a shot at taking a win this weekend (finally) despite our current performance against the Blackhawks turning into a running joke. Use your tough, defensive identity, give Bernier a chance to make some saves, and knock in a dang power-play goal.

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