The Chicago Blackhawks look to avoid their third straight loss as they host the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night at United Center. Chicago is coming off back-to-back losses to the Jets and Flyers, and look to turn it around against the slumping Coyotes.
Chicago’s 16-8-3 record is still good for best in the West, however the Hawks’ are struggling with slow starts, and being able to get production moving. Does this mean they’re missing their captain? It’s a good guess.
Although starting with just four goals so far this season, Jonathan Toews’ absence for the Hawks’ has been noticeable, especially in the faceoff circle. The captain missed his sixth straight game with a back injury Sunday against the Jets. Toews suffered the injury against the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 23, and has yet to return. Despite practicing recently, the chance of him returning doesn’t look promising, with Coach Joel Quenneville announcing the injury is not getting better.
With Corey Crawford out 2-3 weeks recovering from an appendectomy, Scott Darling looks to get the nod in net for the Hawks. Darling is 4-2-1 so far on the season, holding a .912 save percentage with a 2.71 goals-against average.
Veteran Mike Smith will start in the paint for the Coyotes. In his 10 games started this season, Smith holds a 4-2-3 record with a .930 save percentage and a 2.64 goals against average.
The Coyotes are coming off a 4-1 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night, losing their fourth straight (0-2-2). Arizona now holds a 8-12-4 record on the year, putting them in seventh in the Pacific Division.
Tuesday’s matchup will be Chicago and Arizona’s first meeting of a three-game season series. Last season, the Blackhawks swept the season series with a 5-4 overtime win on the road and 6-2 home victory at home. Toews had two goals, including the overtime game-winner and three assists last season against Arizona. Artemi Panarin had five assists while Patrick Kane had two goals and an assist.
For more on the Coyotes, visit Five for Howling.
Lineups
Blackhawks
Forwards
Artemi Panarin – Artem Anisimov – Patrick Kane
Ryan Hartman – Vinnie Hinostroza – Marian Hossa
Dennis Rasumussen – Marcus Kruger – Richard Panik
Tyler Motte – Andrew Desjardins – Jordin Tootoo
Defensemen
Duncan Keith – Niklas Hjalmarsson
Brian Campbell – Brent Seabrook
Gustav Forsling – Michal Rozsival
Goalie
Scott Darling
Coyotes
Forwards
Tobias Rieder – Martin Hanzal – Radim Vrbata
Max Domi – Christian Dvorak – Shane Doan
Brendan Perlini – Jordan Martinook – Jamie McGinn
Lawson Crouse – Tyler Gaudet – Ryan White
Defensemen
Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Connor Murphy
Alex Goligoski – Michael Stone
Jakob Chychrun – Luke Schenn
Goalie
Mike Smith
*Lines will be updated if necessary
How to watch Coyotes at Blackhawks
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Where: United Center
TV: CSN Chicago