Blackhawks at Rangers
THE STORY: The Chicago Blackhawks will try and avoid losing their 10th straight game Thursday when they travel to New York to take on the Eastern Conference-leading Rangers. Chicago’s last victory came against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 20. The Blackhawks have lost nine straight contests, eight in regulation. The Rangers have won eight of 10, but will be playing their fourth game in six nights. All-Star Henrik Lundqvist may get a rest on Thursday after making three starts in four nights for New York.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, Comcast (Chicago), MSG (New York)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (29-21-7): The Blackhawks have two games remaining on a season-long nine-game road trip. After Thursday’s tilt with the Rangers, the team will travel to Columbus to take on the lowly Blue Jackets on Saturday. Chicago’s recent slide has been taking its toll on captain Jonathan Toews. "It's been tough to get some sleep at night the way things have been going lately," said Toews, who has been held without a point in five consecutive games.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (37-13-5): New York is currently riding a four-game winning streak, including a 3-0 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. "I just don't think we were totally on our game," Rangers coach John Tortorella said. "But that's a good sign for a hockey club in where you're trying to gather points here. You don't play your best, you play in spurts, but you still find a way to win. We'll move on and get ready for Chicago."
OVERTIME:
1. Corey Crawford will start in goal for the Blackhawks on Thursday. He allowed five goals on 27 shots in a 5-3 loss against the San Jose Sharks in his last outing. Crawford's last win came on Jan. 18 with a victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
2. Rangers captain Ryan Callahan has six goals in his last four games.
3. Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Marian Hossa all missed practice Wednesday. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said all three were "resting" and should play against the Rangers.