Canucks at Blackhawks
THE STORY: The Chicago Blackhawks continue their charge toward home-ice advantage in the playoffs when they host the Northwest Division-leading Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. Chicago, which has won four in a row, is sixth in the Western Conference, just two points behind Central Division rival Nashville. The Canucks are playing the second of four straight games on the road, where they've lost three in a row. Vancouver also has dropped seven of 10 overall.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN (Vancouver), CSN (Chicago)
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (43-21-8): Vancouver still holds a comfortable nine-point lead over Colorado in the Northwest despite its recent struggles. Roberto Luongo is 0-3-0 with a 5.28 goals-against average over his last four starts. The lack of production from the Sedin twins has been a major reason for the team's slump. Daniel has recorded only two goals and two assists over the last 11 games, while captain Henrik has notched just four assists during that span.
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (41-25-8): Captain Jonathan Toews will miss his 15th consecutive game with an apparent concussion. Chicago has played well without him, however, going 9-4-1. The Blackhawks have earned at least one point in each of their last six games (5-0-1) and nine of 10 (8-1-1). Patrick Sharp posted his second two-goal performance in three games Tuesday against Columbus. Sharp is riding a six-game points streak and has collected six tallies and seven assists over his last nine contests. Rookie Andrew Shaw has registered three goals and three assists in his last three games.
OVERTIME:
1. Chicago's Marian Hossa notched a goal and an assist Tuesday to reach 900 points for his career.
2. The Blackhawks have earned at least one point in six of their last seven meetings with the Canucks (4-1-2).