CHICAGO | The Canadian, defeated in overtime yesterday, ends the first part of its seven-game journey at opposing rinks tonight.
A win against the poor Blackhawks, who are tied for last place in the standings with the Sharks, would allow Martin St-Louis and his men to go into the Christmas break with a haul of five points out of a possible six.
That would bring them within two points of the final spot, which would give them access to the playoffs.
Luke Richardson's team surprised in their last game with a win over the Colorado Avalanche. But it was only his third win in eleven games.
Here are the five things to look for when visiting Connor Bedard.
1. The newcomer among the newcomers
In his first season in the NHL, Connor Bedard is living up to expectations. He scores a rate of almost one point per game. His 28 points in 31 games are a record for the Blackhawks. He hit the target twelve times. He collected four assists in his last two appearances.
Getty Images via AFP
2. It's Primeau's turn
Before the Canadian left Montreal, it was already clear that the three goalkeepers would each be in the starting line-up. Therefore, Cayden Primeau will have the honor of completing this first part of the journey. His last appearance in front of the net was on December 9th in Buffalo. He stopped 46 shots in the 3-2 penalty shootout win.
Photo Martin Chevalier
3. Slafkovsky in his element
We don't demand that it be beautiful. We want it to be effective. Juraj Slafkovsky scored two points against the Wild on Thursday night. As an accomplice to Nick Suzuki's power play goal, he equalized late in the third period. Every time he was where it was worth it: in the enclave. With his physique he can cause misfortune in this sensitive part of the rink. We hope it continues to appear there.
Photo Getty Images via AFP
4. A Quebec giant among the Hawks
The Blackhawks have two Quebecers in their lineup. Anthony Beauvillier, acquired from the Canucks on November 28 in exchange for a 5th-round pick, and Louis Crevier. Drafted in the 7th round in 2020, the 22-year-old defenseman has just begun his NHL career after starting the season in Rockford. At 1.80 m tall, he is hard to miss.
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5. A real opportunity for Emil Heineman?
Because of the numerous penalties called on both sides, Emil Heineman didn't really get a chance to get acquainted with the NHL on Thursday in Minnesota. This game against the Hawks, a team in trouble, would be a great opportunity for him to gently acclimate. However, we won't know the official formation of the Habs until the end of the afternoon.
Photo Martin Chevalier
The Canadian's expected lineup for tonight's game:
Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Monahan-Evans-Anderson
Armia-Dvorak-Gallagher
Heineman-Stephens-Ylönen
Matheson Savard
Guhle Barron
Struble Kovacevic
Primeau
Montembeault