Players to Watch: CHI vs DET (2/15/21)
(Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks just played one wild series against the Columbus Blue Jackets and are now in Detroit to take on the Red Wings. With games against the Wings on Monday and Wednesday, the Hawks could pick up some valuable points.
Coming into this season, it wasn’t out of the question that the Blackhawks and Red Wings would be entering a battle. Not their battles of old with two great teams, though. A battle for last place in the Central Division. While that could still happen, it would take a dramatic shift from both teams.
Detroit is 1 of 2 teams aside from the Blackhawks that have played 16 games in the division. So, it’s reasonable to compare their records and point totals. The Detroit Red Wings are coming into this 2-game series with a record of 4-10-2 for 10 points in the standings. The Chicago Blackhawks have a record of 7-5-4 for 18 points.
This kind of feels like bullying, but let’s look at the goal differentials.
In 16 games, the Red Wings have scored 33 goals while allowing 51 for a DIFF of -18. Ouch. Through 16 games, the Blackhawks have scored 47 goals while allowing 49 for a DIFF of -2. That is looking significantly better than it did to start the season. We knew it would even out as time went on due to the horrific start of the year for Chicago. Detroit, on the other hand . . . yikes.
Here are your players to watch.
Nicolas Beaudin
First NHL goal on Thursday - Second NHL goal on Saturday. Nicolas Beaudin is feeling it right now. Even if he doesn’t go 3 for 3 on goals, I’d expect him to have another good game. This kid’s confidence has to be at an all-time high. Let’s see what he does with it.
Alex DeBrincat
Alex DeBrincat has been on an absolute roll since returning to the lineup from the COVID protocol list. As a Michigan native, it would be a great time for him to put up some points against his hometown team. He’s second on the team in scoring - behind only Patrick Kane. Those two have been teaming up a lot lately to hit the goal column. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see even more of that.
Lucas Wallmark
Lucas Wallmark has missed a bunch of time due to being on the COVID protocol list. It appears that he’s slotting back into the lineup tonight. I was impressed with his game to begin the season. I’d love to see him come out and have a positive impact on the game.