The Chicago Blackhawks are in the Big Apple on Friday night for their preseason finale against the New York Rangers. The game at Madison Square Garden gives the Hawks a chance to avenge their 4-1 loss to New York last week, and more importantly, it’s a final opportunity to work out some things before the real games begin.
So entering this game, there’s some good news, and some bad news.
We’ll start with the good news: Teuvo Teravainen is playing. Finally. His lack of playing time this fall has become something of a conversation topic, but he should get reps Friday night and hopefully he can continue to impress. It seems he’s a lock for Rockford at this point, though.
And then the bad news: Daniel Carcillo is playing, and apparently competing for an NHL role. In one preseason game. I know the team is already familiar with him, but I don’t think anyone would be particularly thrilled if he “earned” a spot on the roster with his play against the Rangers.
Many of the Hawks’ big names are also missing the game, which isn’t surprising. Still, I’m not sure why they sent so many guys to Rockford if this was the plan.
When and where? The game starts at 6 p.m. CT from Madison Square Garden.
How to watch: The game is being broadcast on CSN in the Chicago area.
Opponent Breakdown: NY Rangers
The Rangers have been a mixed bag in preseason so far, posting a 2-2 record with two games to go. The team is working through some issues after an active offseason and the loss of Derek Stepan to injury early in camp, but remains talented and dangerous as long as Henrik Lundqvist is in goal.
Anthony Duclair has been particularly impressive for the team so far, and it’s possible the 19-year-old will make the roster out of camp. In three games, the former third-round pick has recorded several goals and looks like a potential offensive spark for a team that could use it.
The Rangers will be playing Lundqvist the entire game on Friday, which doesn’t do Chicago’s goal scorers any favors. Kevin Hayes will also be in the lineup, and like Duclair, he’s still competing for a roster spot. The Rangers’ lineup isn’t like the group we saw from Montreal earlier this week, with most of New York’s big names taking the ice, so this should be challenging one to win.
For more on the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter.
What to Expect
In a flip of the situation against the Habs, it appears the Blackhawks will be icing a younger roster while the Rangers go with something closer to their actual group. Toews, Richards, Hossa, Keith, and Raanta aren’t even making the trip to New York, and it appears Oduya and Rozsival will be out, too. So frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up finishing the preseason at 2-4, but you know what? I think everyone’s more worried about the final roster construction at this point, anyways. Not that I would mind a victory.
Anyways, let’s get to the real games soon. Go Hawks.