The Blackhawks look to move to 4-0 with a trip south to take on the Dallas Stars tonight. It’s been 40 years since the Hawks have enjoyed such early season success and with only 48 games this year, it couldn’t come at a better time. The start has sparked a lot of comparisons to the 2010 team that won the Stanley Cup. This team is a bit different but one similarity, so far, has been rolling out more than two lines that can score. The 3rd line of Viktor Stalberg, Andrew Shaw and Michael Frolik has added some well needed scoring depth to the Blackhawks. Eight different Blackhawks have lit the lamp already in three games. Don’t look for Q to make any changes to the lineup. Corey Crawford, who is looking like the goalie we saw in 2010-11 again, will most likely get the start in net tonight.
A lot of people laughed at the Dallas Stars, myself included, when they signed 80 years worth of hockey players in Ray Whitney and Jaromir Jagr in the offseason. Right now it looks like it might be the Stars who get the last laugh when it is all said and done. The two elder statesmen have combined for 7 points (3 G, 4 A) in their first three games in big D. Michael Ryder, who scored a career high 35 goals last season, tallied both goals in a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. Dallas will be missing two big names that we are used to seeing on the ice. Pain in the ass Mike Ribeiro has moved on to the Washington Capitals and Jamie Benn is still missing in action due to a contract dispute. Defenseman Aaron Rome looks to make his make is season debut tonight after suffering a strained groin. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen, who has been fantasic, should get the start tonight. Lehtonen has a 2.00 GAA and .950 save % in his two starts this season. He has been very hard for the Blackhawks to solve in his career as well. He is 4-2 with a 1.98 GAA with a .934 save % and one shutout in 6 starts versus Chicago.