Chicago Blackhawks Battle Red-Hot Detroit Red Wings as team kicks off a weekend back-to-back

The Chicago Blackhawks (14-25-2) head to Hockeytown for the first game of a back-to-back set against the Detroit Red Wings (18-18-4) tonight. They will play the Oilers on Saturday at the United Center.

In their last outing, the Blackhawks secured a 3-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist to extend his point streak to eight games. He now has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) during that span.

Frank Nazar scored his first goal of the season for the game-winner and Ilya Mikheyev tallied his eighth goal of the season. Petr Mrazek made 35 saves to notch his first win since Nov. 27, 6-2 Blackhawks win against the Stars.

Despite the Blackhawks being last in the league, the first line of Tyler Bertuzzi, Connor Bedard, and Ilya Mikheyev has really stepped up in a big way.

Bertuzzi leads the Blackhawks in goals (14), while Bedard is first in assists (26) and points (37).

This is the last meeting between the two teams this season. The Red Wings won the first meet back in Chicago at the United Center on Nov. 6 by a final score of 4-1. Dylan Larkin and Alex Debrincat each had a goal and assist for a two-point night in the win.

According to Blackhawks reporter and insider, Charlie Roumeliotis, Craig Smith is day-to-day with a back injury, so highly unlikely he will play in tonight's game. Taylor Hall was also day-to-day, but he'll be good to go for the Hawks.

The Red Wings come into tonight's game on a five-game winning streak.

Their most recent win was a 3-2 overtime victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane scored the overtime game-winning goal on the power play. Dylan Larkin finished the night with two points (one goal, one assist).

Larkin currently leads the Red Wings in goals (17), while Lucas Raymond leads the team in assists (26) and points (42).

The Blackhawks need to stay consistent and put forth a strong effort against their Original Six Rivals to come out with the win.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST on NHL Network.