Chicago Blackhawks: Blackhawks Vs. Blues Preview

After three days off, the Chicago Blackhawks will square off against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center.

Wednesday nights have a noteworthy and remarkable place in the hearts of NHL fans across the league. This day of the week provides fans with exciting, heated rivalries and matchups where a person doesn’t even need to be a fan of either team playing on NBCSN to enjoy the broadcast–a chance to escape the dull realities of life by watching two teams battle it out.

For those who are late to the party or simply unaware, NBCSN televises games on Wednesday nights and classifies these games as Wednesday Night Rivalries.

Tonight, in the newest installment of such events, the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues will renew their rivalry with a 7 p.m. puck drop down in St. Louis. Entering tonight’s game, both teams have played six games –the Blackhawks have a record of 4-1-1 with 9 points, while the Blues are close behind with 8 points (4-2).

Prior to tonight’s matchup against the Blues, the Blackhawks, relatively speaking, have had no problems finding the back of the net–25 goals for compared to 13 goals against (differential of +12).

On the other hand, in the first chunk of games, scoring goals hasn’t come as easily for a Blues team that lost centerman Robby Fabbri to an ACL injury prior to the start of the regular season. Entering tonight’s game, the Blues have a goal differential of +2 (18 GF and 16 GA).

But the Blues are always dangerous with the puck, due to their supremely talented and highly gifted forward, Vladimir Tarasenko. The right-winger has scored four goals and added two assists through the first six games played.

In exciting news for the Blackhawks, Wednesday night could see the return of Nick Schmaltz, who missed four games due to injury–two goals and one assist for three points to begin the season.

But tonight is extraordinary for the hockey community. Back in August, Eddie Olczyk was diagnosed with cancer–heartbreaking news for NHL fans who have come to know, love, and respect a man who has a true passion and desire for improving the lives of those around him.

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And tonight will be Olczyk’s first game back in the booth after being forced to step away from the game due to his ongoing battle with cancer.

The Blackhawks squaring off against the Blues will be exciting, but the true excitement will come when we hear Olczyk speak and see him back in his natural element.