Blackhawks: A scouting report on the upcoming Stars game

The Chicago Blackhawks waited until Super Bowl Sunday, but they finally won a game in overtime. The ‘Hawks now look to snatch up another two points when they play the Dallas Stars for the second time in three nights tomorrow.

Overall, Chicago played well in Sunday’s game, backed by goaltender Malcolm Subban, who won his first game as a Blackhawk in a 30-save performance. Besides the stellar job in net, the offensive juggernauts for the ‘Hawks also continued their winning ways. Patrick Kane extended a point streak to five games, and Alex DeBrincat scored both Chicago goals.

However, Dallas still put up a good fight, and the ‘Hawks shouldn’t take their next game with them lightly. The Stars tied up the game off a bad bounce in the third, and they have plenty of talented players on their top six that can do a lot of damage, so Chicago will have to be vigilant and dig deep to gain the victory tonight.

The Stars have a strong goaltending tandem. Jake Oettinger, a standout youngster from Boston University, made 33 saves. Obviously, tonight’s starters have not been announced yet, but it will either be Oettinger again or (more likely) Anton Khudobin. The veteran Russian goalie stood on his head during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and was a large reason for Dallas making it to the Stanley Cup Final last year.

The Dallas Stars are not a team the Chicago Blackhawks can take lightly.

In addition to their goalie duo, the offensive weapons of the Stars run deep as well. Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Joe Pavelski are all constant threats to get on the scoresheet. Benn can also throw his weight around well, as seen in his fight on Sunday against Nikita Zadorov.

The Blackhawks still lack a bit in the toughness and grittiness department, so they will have to rely on their skill and puck prowess to get them the win.

Hopefully, Chicago’s offense can keep firing on all cylinders. Patrick Kane was named the NHL’s second star of the week for his efforts on the scoresheet, so continuing that streak would definitely go a long way. In addition, the Blackhawks’ power play scored again last game to remain red hot, so they will have to take every chance they can on the man advantage.

Obviously, the Dallas Stars, who moved to 5-2-2 after the overtime loss, still represent a significant challenge and one that the ‘Hawks will be seeing a lot the rest of the year. Chicago plays Dallas six more times after tomorrow’s game, so hopefully the Blackhawks will pull off the victory and set a good precedent. Find out when the puck drops against Dallas tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. CST.