Blackhawks at Coyotes
The Chicago Blackhawks try to extend their winning streak to six games when they conclude their seven-game road trip against the Phoenix Coyotes. Chicago rallied for a 2-1 shootout victory at Dallas on Friday, with Patrick Sharp scoring the tying goal in the third period and Ben Smith clinched the win by tallying in the 11th round of the bonus format. The Blackhawks improved to 5-1-0 on their trek with the victory.
Phoenix is coming off a 3-1 triumph over the Wild in Minnesota on Wednesday. Radim Vrbata scored a pair of goals and Mikkel Boedker also tallied as the Coyotes snapped their three-game winless streak while handing Minnesota its first home loss of the month. Chicago and Phoenix are meeting for the second time this season, with the Blackhawks posting a 5-4 shootout win at home on Nov. 14.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSN Arizona Plus (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (19-4-4): Chicago and Dallas went seven rounds of the shootout without a goal before Smith ended things in the 11th round. "It was fun," Smith said. "A great opportunity, it was awesome." The Blackhawks have held their opponents to two goals or fewer in each of their last four contests.
ABOUT THE COYOTES (15-6-4): Rostislav Klesla is back with Phoenix as the team recalled him from Portland of the American Hockey League on Friday. The veteran defenseman cleared waivers earlier in the week and was assigned to the Pirates after registering one goal and two assists in 15 games with the Coyotes. Captain Shane Doan (lower body) skipped Friday's practice but is expected to play against Chicago.
OVERTIME
1. Chicago RW Patrick Kane was kept off the scoresheet Friday, ending his 12-game point streak.
2. Phoenix assigned C Chris Brown to Portland to make room on the roster for Klesla.
3. The Blackhawks have come back to win three games in which they trailed after two periods during their road trip.