Blackhawks Revisit 'Wings Rivalry in Saturday Matinee
By Angie Wiatrowski in News on Jan 22, 2011 4:30PM
The Blackhawks are about to face another goaltending controversy. But don't worry, there are no problems in their net. The Detroit Red Wings will be without veteran goaltender Chris Osgood until March as he recovers from a recent hernia surgery. Now the backup will face Chicago's former backup, now starting goaltender Corey Crawford. But not so fast, Wings starter Jimmy Howard has been out with a bruised knee, leading Detroit to signing Evgeni Nabokov to a one-year deal this week.
Detroit's netminding has been shaky as it is, which could benefit the Hawks as Detroit has given up 19 goals during a 2-2-1 stretch. Again, another advantage for Chicago.
The Hawks have won three of the last four times they played the 'Wings in Detroit. They split a pair of home games earlier this season, winning the most recent 4-1 on Dec. 1, where Crawford outdueled Howard denying 29 shots on goal.
Crawford has a 1.51 goals-against average in his two games against Detroit and is 7-2-1 in his last two starts with a 1.58 GAA. The Hawks will look to him to win three straight against the Red Wings for the first time since Jan. 13-Nov. 27, 2000.
They will also turn to Dave Bolland to stay hot as he has four goals, six points, and is +6 in his last four games. He also has five power-play points this season.
The Hawks are 1-3-2 in their last six road games, and won their final two at Joe Louis Arena last season. Howard was in net for both of those games so a change between the pipes could be hit or miss. Given Chicago's history with OT, shootouts, and one goal wins/losses, this may be another close call. Six of Detroit's last seven games have been decided by one goal, three being decided in a shootout. The Hawks, however, are 5-1-1 over their last seven games, outscoring opponents 25-14.
Let's hope Detroit's recent injury plagued roster doesn't go to the Hawks' heads, and that they don’t' get sloppy. The fact that Nabokov has won 293 games but suffered four straight losses to Chicago in last season's Western Conference Finals could again, be a giant help as they visit Detroit in a Saturday matinee.