Game Preview : The Back End

Chicago Blackhawks (60 pts 28-5-4) vs Nashville Predators (38 pts 15-16-8)6 PM United Center- Chicago, IL.TV: CSN ChicagoRadio : WGN 720 AM

Season Series

Date	Score	W. Goal
Apr 19 '13
Apr 07 '13
Apr 06 '13	CHI 1 at NSH 0	B. Bickell
Apr 01 '13	NSH 2 at CHI 3 - SO	M. Rozsival
Feb 10 '13	CHI 3 at NSH 0	M. Kruger

Not too much you can say about two teams who will play each other for the 3rd time in 6 days tonight. The Hawks look to win their 4th straight over the Preds this year tonight. Coach Q will address the media at 4 pm, but I do not expect to see either Patrick Sharp or Dave Bolland in the lineup tonight. As far as goalies go logic says Corey Crawford will play tonight but logic and Q doesn't always mix. The last time the Hawks played back to back games when the first game was an afternoon game, Crow played both games. Ray Emery did pick up his 2nd shutout in 3 starts yesterday so could be rewarded with another start tonight.

As far as the Preds go, the will send Pekka Rinne out again today. With Nashville's playoff lives in doubt, I am sure Rinne is not going to get many days off from here on out. Tonight is a huge game for the Predators, especially if the Red Wings and Blues have themselves a 3 point game this afternoon. Mike Fisher will miss tonight's game due to a nagging hand injury. Youngster Austin Watson will make his NHL debut in his place.

If you are coming down to the United Center, get there early to see the Hawks and their special Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys during warm ups. The jerseys will feature lavender numbers and lettering and will all be autographed and auctioned off with the proceeds going to Chicago Blackhawks Charities.

Probable Blackhawks lineup

Forwards

Brandon Saad - Jonathan Toews - Marian Hossa
Dan Carcillo - Marcus Kruger - Patrick Kane
Viktor Stalberg - Michal Handzus - Bryan Bickell
Michael Frolik - Andrew Shaw - Brandon Bollig