3 Key Highlights to Watch in Blackhawks vs. Senators Matchup
The Chicago Blackhawks are set to face off against the Ottawa Senators tonight at the United Center. This matchup begins at 7:45 PM CT and is the second consecutive home game for the Blackhawks against a team that played the night before. The Senators enter the game riding a three-game winning streak.
Key Highlights to Watch in Blackhawks vs. Senators Matchup
1. Recent Performance
The Blackhawks come into this game with a record of 4-3-2, totaling 10 points. Meanwhile, the Senators hold a slightly better record of 5-4-1 with 11 points. The Blackhawks will look to rebound after a tough loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
2. Individual Player Stats
- Connor Bedard: In four career games against the Senators, Bedard has scored three goals and recorded five points.
- Andre Burakovsky: Over 20 games, he has accumulated two goals and 12 points against Ottawa, contributing in six of the last nine encounters.
- Teuvo Teravainen: Teravainen boasts four goals in seven career games against starting goaltender Linus Ullmark.
- David Perron: The veteran has been a consistent threat against the Blackhawks, with 20 goals and 40 points in 65 games.
3. Goaltending Matchup
Spencer Knight has been impressive in his early season starts. He holds a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.97, ranking fifth among goaltenders with at least five starts, and a save percentage (SV%) of .937, placing him third. In contrast, Linus Ullmark has a GAA of 3.11 and a save percentage of .870.
Injury Updates and Game Decisions
The Blackhawks have some uncertainty regarding player availability. Tyler Bertuzzi participated in the morning skate, indicating he might play, while Ilya Mikheyev did not join the skate. Coach Jeff Blashill remained non-committal about their statuses before the game.
Power Play Analysis
Chicago’s power play has struggled recently, converting only 1 of the last 13 opportunities. Bedard expressed his disappointment with the unit’s performance. In contrast, the Senators have the league’s 29th-ranked penalty kill, making this a crucial area for the Blackhawks to exploit.
Team Stats Overview
| Category | Blackhawks | Senators |
|---|---|---|
| Goals For/Game | 2.89 (22nd) | 3.70 (5th) |
| Goals Against/Game | 2.44 (4th) | 3.70 (28th) |
| Power Play Percentage | 15.6% (26th) | 35.1% (1st) |
| Penalty Kill Percentage | 85.0% (9th) | 65.6% (29th) |
As the game approaches, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting matchup. Fans will watch closely, especially on the Blackhawks’ power play and Knight’s performance against a formidable Senators offense.
