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Chicago Blackhawks: Huge Matchup against Crosby and the Penguins Wednesday Night

By Josh Marshall

Jan 5, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) handles the puck as Chicago Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov (15) and defenseman Duncan Keith (2) defend during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) handles the puck as Chicago Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov (15) and defenseman Duncan Keith (2) defend during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Blackhawks (39-18-5) will play host to Sidney Crosby and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Penguins (38-15-8) on Wednesday night at the United Center.

Coming off a month that saw the Chicago Blackhawks go 9-1 and kicking on all cylinders, it’s fitting that the month of March will start off with a huge home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blackhawks played lights out in the month of February, Johnathan Toews helped lead the way, leading the NHL in points (nine goals and 15 assists) since January 22nd.

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Toews wasn’t the only one playing lights out, his line mates Nick Schmaltz and Richard Panik also had themselves a really good month and I don’t see them stopping anytime soon. Pittsburgh poses a tough matchup, with perhaps the best player in the NHL leading them.

Sydney Crosby currently has 67 points with 34 goals. Pittsburgh comes into tonight’s game with a loss last night in Dallas to the Stars. The Penguins struggled to produce shots on net and were out shot by Dallas 32-20, in a 3-2 loss.

Chicago is coming off a nice win over division rival St. Louis. I look for Chicago’s stellar play to continue tonight against the Penguins. I expect to see Patrick Kane to have a big game and Scott Darling to come up big in net tonight. Darling will get the start as Corey Crawford will get some more rest after an illness kept him out of Sunday’s game against the Blues.

The Chicago Blackhawks defense will need to step up tonight. Niklas Hjalmarsson will not be available tonight as he is still nursing an injury. Expect to see a lot of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

Keys to Defeating the Pens.

  1. Keep Crosby and Malkin in check
  2. Put pucks on the net
  3. Transition Defense
  4. Great Goaltending

My prediction for tonight’s game: Chicago 4 Pittsburgh 2

3 Stars Prediction

  1. Nick Schmaltz -2 goals 1 assist
  2. Patrick Kane- 1 goal
  3. Scott Darling- 32 saves

Let us know your score prediction in the comments section below.

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