Game Preview: Chicago Blackhawks vs. New York Islanders
The Chicago Blackhawks are facing the New York Islanders tonight at the Barclays Center for the final matchup between the teams this season.
The Hawks have made changes again with their lineup for tonight’s game, Matthew Highmore will have the chance at the top line’s left winger with Nick Schmaltz centering, and Patrick Kane on the right. Brandon Saad has been bumped up from the 3rd line to the 2nd line as the right winger with Vinnie Hinostroza centering, and Alex DeBrincat as the left winger. Tomas Jurco has been bumped down to the 3rd line with Artem Anisimov centering, and Andreas Martinsen as the right winger. Patrick Sharp has been moved down to the 4th line with David Kampf centering, and John Hayden as the right winger.
Jonathan Toews is still out for tonight’s game with his upper body injury he suffered in the game vs. the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday night at the United Center.
With the New York Islanders, there have also been updates to their lineup for tonight’s game. Jaroslav Halak will be the starting goaltender, while Ross Johnson is in for Chris Wagner as forward. Brandon Davidson is in for Dennis Seidenberg on the defensive end. Also, Davidson returns to the lineup after missing three straight games.
What to look for in tonight’s game is Matthew Barzal on the 2nd line center from the Islanders who has been red-hot this season and is in the run for the Calder trophy for rookie of the year. With the Hawks, Alex DeBrincat scored his third career hat trick against the St. Louis Blues last Sunday night at the United Center.
Puck drop at the Barclays Center in New York is at 7 PM Eastern, 6 PM Central, and the pregame show on NBC Sports Chicago + is at 5:30 PM Central.
Thoughts on the Blackhawks missing the playoffs? Will they be back next season? Let us know in the comments below!
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