Blackhawks at Coyotes
THE STORY: The Chicago Blackhawks take to the road following a
successful three-game homestand to face the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday.
Chicago was on the verge of sweeping its homestand but squandered a
third-period lead to Boston on Saturday and dropped a 3-2 decision in a
shootout. The Blackhawks played the matchup between the last two Stanley
Cup champions without Marian Hossa, who could return Tuesday from an
upper body injury that also has kept him out of the team's last three
practices. Phoenix is seeking its third straight victory but has lost
seven of its last eight games against Western Conference opponents. The
Coyotes have captured five of their last eight meetings with the
Blackhawks.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Arizona (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (2-1-1):
Chicago sent right wing Ben Smith to Rockford of the American Hockey
League on Monday. Smith has yet to play this campaign after suffering a
concussion during the preseason. The 23-year-old scored one goal in six
regular-season games last season and added three in seven playoff
contests. The Blackhawks, who are 3-1-3 in their last seven meetings
with the Coyotes, have lost four of their last five overall on the road
dating to last season.
ABOUT THE COYOTES (2-1-1): Mike
Smith is likely to get the start against Chicago, but backup Jason
LaBarbera might actually be the better option. In five career starts
against the Blackhawks, LaBarbera has posted a 4-0 record with a 2.01
goals-against average. Smith has split two career meetings with Chicago.
Captain Shane Doan is off to a fast start with three goals and seven
points. Doan's next tally will be the 300th of his career.
OVERTIME:
1.
Ray Whitney recorded a goal and an assist in Phoenix's 4-1 victory over
Winnipeg on Saturday. It was the veteran's 223rd career multi-point
performance.
2. Four of the last seven meetings between the Blackhawks and Coyotes have been decided in a shootout.