The Chicago Blackhawks host the New Jersey Devils Thursday night at the United Center, as they look to extend their lead in the West.
The Hawks are coming off a 2-1 shootout victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, which allowed them to go for 15-6-3 on the season, and extend their home record to 9-1-2. Chicago has won two straight at home and has grabbed at least a point at home since its season opener.
In Tuesday’s game, Artem Anisimov took a nasty slapshot from Duncan Keith to the inside of his right skate, causing him to leave the game limping in obvious pain. After the game, Coach Joel Quenneville announced that Anisimov seemed OK. It has not yet been indicated whether or not Anisimov will play against the Devils.
Jonathan Toews will not return to the ice against New Jersey, as he’ll miss his fourth straight game from a back injury. The captain is expected to make his return Saturday in Philadelphia.
New Jersey currently sits with a 10-7-5 record on the year, putting them in fifth in the Metropolitan Division. The Hawks and Devils met earlier this season in late October, which saw Chicago take home the 3-2 overtime victory. Anisimov scored with 3 minutes, 45 seconds left in overtime, while Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist. Crawford made 30 saves for his first win against the Devils since Feb. 13, 2015.
New Jersey’s starter Cory Schneider is 8-6-3 with a 2.56 goals-against average and .914 save percentage in 17 games this season.
Taylor Hall was placed on the injured reserve by the Devils in early November with a knee injury, but is hopeful to make his return Thursday. Hall started his season with 12 points in 14 games.
With Devil’s forward Beau Bennett being placed on the IR, forward John Quenneville has been called up from the Albany Devils. And yeah, you guessed it, he’s related the Coach Q. The second cousins may meet in what could be Quenneville’s first career NHL game if he earns a slot on the Devils’ roster for Thursday’s game. The rookie has tallied seven goals and 10 assists in 19 games this season for Albany.
For more on the Devils, visit All About the Jersey.
Lineups
Blackhawks
Forwards
Artemi Panarin – Artem Anisimov – Patrick Kane
Ryan Hartman – Vinnie Hinostroza – Marian Hossa
Dennis Rasmussen – Marcus Kruger – Richard Panik
Tyler Motte – Nick Schmaltz – Jordin Tootoo
Defensemen
Duncan Keith – Niklas Hjalmarsson
Brian Campbell – Brent Seabrook
Gustav Forsling – Michal Rozsival
Goalie
Corey Crawford
Devils
Forwards
Michael Cammalleri – Travis Zajac – Kyle Palmieri
P.A Parenteau – Adam Henrique – Devante Smith-Pelly
Segey Kalinin – Pavel Zacha – Nick Lappin
Miles Wood – Vernon Fiddler – Jon Merrill
Defensemen
Andy Greene – Damon Severson
Yohann Auvitu – Ben Lovejoy
John Moore – Kyle Quincey
Goalie
Cory Schneider
*Lines will be updated if necessary
How to watch Blackhawks vs. Devils
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Where: United Center
TV: CSN Chicago