Blackhawks Visit Vancouver With Little At Stake

Feb 19, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Vancouver Canucks goalie Cory Schneider (35) makes a save in front of Chicago Blackhawks left wing Viktor Stalberg (25) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Game #45– Chicago Blackhawks (34-5-5) at Vancouver Canucks (25-13-7)

TV– CSN-Chicago, NHLNetwork

Radio-WGN

Season Series– Both teams have won in shootouts in their own arena.

Preview– The Canucks have a playoff spot clinched and with a win could ensure another Northwest Division title which would be their 6th out of seven years.  One would think that Canucks are not too happy about realignment.  Corey Schneider has been playing very good in goal as of late giving up .084 Goals per Game and a .970 save percentage in his last seven games.  Newcomer Derek Roy has 2 goals and 2 assists in his last four games and now sits as the newest member of the Canucks team that Hawks fan base can hate.  This game usually has a lot of meaning but this may end up being less intense than normal.

The Blackhawks are going for their fourth straight road shutout in Vancouver. It’s been a long time since they had 3 straight road shutouts yes it was 1931 so there is something to play for tonight.  Besides shutout history the Hawks have everything sown up and not much to play for which seem strange with the Canucks on the opposing bench.  The Hawks have a four games left until the real season starts with only staying healthy as the main goal.

Prediction– It’s hard to tell what kind of intensity both teams will have tonight, but you never know when these two rivals come together that they may turn up the intensity to send a message heading towards the playoffs.  Hawks win 2-1 on a Brandon Saad third period goal.

What is your prediction for tonight’s game?

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