Blackhawks at Ducks
THE STORY: The Chicago Blackhawks go for a sweep of their season series with the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. However, Anaheim is a much different team than the one that dropped a 4-1 decision in the most recent matchup on Dec. 16. While still on the outside of the Western Conference playoff picture, the Ducks have climbed within six points of eighth place thanks to their just-completed 5-1-2 road trip. Chicago also is a different club, as it has lost 11 of its last 15 overall games and 12 of 14 away from home.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (33-23-7): Captain Jonathan Toews missed his third straight game Saturday with an apparent concussion. Coach Joel Quenneville is hopeful Toews can return next week, as are his teammates. “There's no question he's a big part of this team,” Viktor Stalberg said. “He's our captain and he's our best player overall. ... He's missed in the locker room also.” Brendan Morrison was a healthy scratch for Saturday's loss in Los Angeles and has played in just six of 13 games since being acquired from Calgary on Jan. 27. Morrison, who spent part of the 2008-09 season with Anaheim, has yet to notch a point with the Blackhawks. Chicago has gone 13 games – and 39 straight man advantages – without a power-play goal.
ABOUT THE DUCKS (26-25-10): Anaheim has been tough to beat at the Honda Center lately, earning at least point in nine of its last 10 games as host (8-1-1). Corey Perry has been a major reason for the Ducks' turnaround as the reigning Hart Trophy winner has scored eight goals over his last nine games. Perry has reached the 30-goal mark for the third time during his seven-season career. Anaheim has scored two goals or less in seven of its last eight contests.
OVERTIME:
1. The Blackhawks have won five of their last seven overall meetings with the Ducks but are just 5-19-2 in their last 26 visits to Anaheim.
2. The Ducks have lost 16 of their last 21 matchups against Central Division teams.
3. Both clubs have played well of late on Sundays – Anaheim has won five straight and Chicago has taken five of six.