Players to Watch: CHI vs DET (2/27/21)
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off of two very interesting games in Columbus as they face off against the Detroit Red Wings this weekend. They have back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday. This is an incredibly important series for the Blackhawks if they have playoff hopes.
This season, the Blackhawks have had a lot of success against the Wings. Detroit remains last in the Central Division while Chicago is trying to put some distance between themselves and the teams chasing them for the final playoff spot.
This is the first time we’ve seen this - but the Red Wings have more games played than the Blackhawks. In 22 games, Detroit has a record of 6-13-3 for 15 points. In 21 games, Chicago has a record of 11-6-4 for 26 points. When you consider that the Blackhawks began the season 0-3-1, they’ve gone 11-3-3 since that first road trip. None of us expected this.
Looking at Goal Differential feels sort of like bullying Detroit, but I can’t just stop doing it now.
In 22 games, the Red Wings have scored 44 goals while allowing 68 for a DIFF of -24. In 21 games, the Blackhawks have scored 63 goals while allowing 61 for a DIFF of +2. They’re finally back in the positives. I’m sure hoping they can make it even better.
Now for your players to watch.
Alex DeBrincat
It gets mentioned a lot, but Alex DeBrincat is a Michigan native. He grew up as a Red Wings fan, so the spotlight is always on him when the Blackhawks face off against Detroit. It’s been awhile since he’s had a monster game against them. So let’s see it tonight.
Brandon Hagel
Brandon Hagel has been one of the most consistent skaters in the Blackhawks lineup ever since he was first slotted in. He finally got his first NHL goal on Tuesday, and he’s somehow looked even more dangerous since. You can feel he’s hungry for that second goal. Maybe it comes tonight.
Malcolm Subban
Malcolm Subban had an incredible game on Thursday night in Columbus. He walked away from it with his second career shutout and first shutout with the Blackhawks. He’s back in the blue paint tonight, and I’m interested to see how he builds off of the shutout.