After a wild game at Pepsi Center on Monday night, the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche meet up once again, only this time at United Center in Chicago. The two teams combined for 12 goals, including two goals from Avalanche star Matt Duchene. It was Colorado's third victory in a row.
Since then-leading scorer Chris Stewart broke his hand in November, the duo of Paul Stastny and Duchene have stepped up in a big way. Duchene has five goals and four assists in those seven games, while Stastny has contributed four goals and five assists. Their production, and the overall forward depth of the Avalanche, has carried the team back into a tie with the Vancouver Canucks for first place within the Northwest Division.
Chicago, on the other hand, is currently out of playoff position. Though the standings in the Western Conference change on a nightly basis, it's becoming obvious this is not the same Chicago team that won the Stanley Cup last season. They can still score, but the defense has been suspect. Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith has had a very average season, and the team has been let down by their goaltending. Marty Turco has simply not been the answer in net for the Blackhawks, going 8-8 and carrying an .896 save % this year. Turco was pulled early in the second period after giving up four goals.
Craig Anderson will start in net tonight for Colorado. Corey Crawford will get the start tonight for Chicago.
Puck drops at 6:30pm MST.