The Blackhawks head into their second game of the seven game Circus Trip on Friday night, as they take on the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Chicago did not get the start they wanted to their Circus Trip on Tuesday, as they were shut out 4-0 by the Jets, ending their 11-game point streak.
Despite allowing four goals in 22 shots against the Jets, Corey Crawford will get the start in net on Friday. Crawford currently holds a 8-4-2 record in 14 games played, with a save percentage of .928.
Vinnie Hinostroza went down from a huge hit by Winnipeg’s Josh Morrissey on Tuesday night, and did not return to the game. According to CSN Chicago’s Tracey Myers, Coach Quenneville said that Hinostroza is doing better, and could play against the Flames on Friday.
What can the Hawks do to get back on track? Capitalizing on power play opportunities would be a great start. Chicago has scored just two power play goals in their last 23 opportunities. Meanwhile, through their first 10 games this season, they scored 10 power play goals on 39 chances.
The Hawks head into Friday night with an 11-4-2 record, enough for the best in both the Western Conference, and Central Division. The Flames currently sport a 7-10-1 record to sit in fifth in the Pacific Division. The two teams have met twice so far this season, which ended in both the Hawks and Flames walking away with a game apiece.
Former Blackhawk Michael Frolik leads the Flames in points so far this season with 12 (6G, 6A). Calgary will be without Johnny Gaudreau on Friday, who underwent surgery on a broken finger after leaving the ice on Tuesday night. Despite not getting off to the strongest start on the season, and missing one of their top goal scorers, the Flames will be looking for their third consecutive victory on Friday night.
For more on the Flames, visit Matchsticks and Gasoline.
Lineups
Blackhawks
Forwards
Richard Panik – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Kane
Artemi Panarin – Artem Anisimov – Marian Hossa
Dennis Rasmussen – Marcus Kruger – Ryan Hartman
Andrew Desjardins – Nick Schmaltz – Jordin Tootoo
Defensemen
Duncan Keith – Brian Campbell
Michal Kempny – Brent Seabrook
Gustav Forsling – Niklas Hjalmarsson
Goalie
Corey Crawford
Flames
Forwards
Sam Bennett – Sean Monohan – Troy Brouwer
Matthew Tkachuk – Mikael Backlund – Michael Frolik
Matt Stajan – Linden Vey – Alex Chiasson
Michael Ferland – Freddie Hamilton – Garnet Hathaway
Defensemen
Mark Giordano – Dougie Hamilton
T.J. Brodie – Dennis Wideman
Brett Kulak – Deryk Engelland
Goalie
Brian Elliott
*Lineups will be updated if necessary
How to watch Blackhawks at Flames
When: Friday, November 18
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
Time: 8 p.m. CT
TV: SNW, CSN Chicago