Chicago Blackhawks: 4 Things To Look Forward To At Preseason Opener

The Chicago Blackhawks take on the Detroit Red Wings tonight at the United Center, and there are a few things I’m looking forward to watching with the announced lineups.

Before we start with what we are looking forward to, One thing we won’t get to see is Jonathan Toews back with Brandon Saad because Toews is sick and will not play tonight. So with that here are the lines for tonight.

4. What Will David Kampf do with the big boys. 

Kampf played 17 minutes Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets and didn’t find the scoresheet, but tonight he gets to show off his skills against the Red Wings in between Brandon Saad and Richard Panik. Getting to play in between those two may not be the “lottery spot”, but it’s a pretty sweet place to be for a preseason game that’s for sure.

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3. Luc Snuggerud with Brent Seabrook

So, if  after one game you feel all warm and snuggly about the Chicago Blackhawks offense because the B team beat the Blue Jackets, Let’s not forget that there are still a lot of holes in the Blackhawks defense or at least a lot of worries.  Somebody of youth has to step up this year, and it will be fun to see Snuggerud play with Seabrook tonight and show off his skills.

2. Kempny-Rutta Pairing

This could be a real pairing on opening night which is oh by the way only 2 weeks away (pretty exciting stuff isn’t it!) I like a lot of people feel like Kempny should have been played a lot more by Joel Quenneville last year, but now he gets a golden opportunity for 17-22 minutes a night if he just doesn’t suck.  Rutta had a goal in the first game against Columbus, and could be Kempny’s partner so let’s see them again coach!

1. DeBrincat premiere

Yes, I get excited about rookies getting ice time! I wrote endless posts about getting Teuvo Teravainen into the lineup a few years back. DeBrincat is on the Patrick Kane/Nick Schmaltz line so we can’t say he’s not surrounded by skill tonight.  If DeBrincat is to begin the season in Chicago, this is the kind of line he has to play on to be successful.  If he’s stuck with Lance Bouma kind of players then just send him to Rockford. If he scores tonight, that cheer will be from my house!

Next: Forsberg's Preseason Debut means......

What are you looking forward to tonight?  Isn’t it great to have hockey back!!