Well, just like the traffic approaching the circle interchange on the Dan Ryan Expressway, that glimmer of hope Chicago Blackhawks fans had last week has hit the brakes. After Corey Crawford’s 3-0 shutout of the Dallas Stars, it looked like things were starting to head in the right direction. However, the Hawks defense took a few steps back, allowing 12 goals in two games against the Colorado Avalanche over the weekend.
Entering the week, the Devils have just one player on their injury report, with Jack Hughes listed as out.
PREDICTION: Blackhawks 3, Devils 1
Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Coyotes
Entering the week coming off back-to-back losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks, the Coyotes have nonetheless been impressive this season, boasting a 15-9-4 record and holding second place in the Pacific Division.
Former Blackhawk Nick Schmaltz will welcome his old club to town, leading the Yotes with 20 points, 15 of them assists. Conor Garland tops the goal stat sheet with 10, while Christian Dvorak, who netted the game-winner in a 4-3 shootout win over the Anaheim Ducks last week, ranks second in both points and goals, with 16 and 8, respectively.
The Blackhawks offense will need to find an answer to Coyotes netminder Darcy Kuemper, whose 1.97 goals against average is tops in the NHL.
PREDICTION: Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 1
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