The month of October was horrible for the Chicago Blackhawks. November was a bit better. Tonight, the Blackhawks kick off their December schedule with a game against the Washington Capitals. 

These two teams are on opposite ends of the spectrum. The Washington Capitals are first in the Metro division with a record of 14-4-5 for 33 points. The Chicago Blackhawks are seventh in the Central division with a record of 7-12-2 for 16 points. 

The standings aren’t the only place they differ. The Blackhawks have been . . . bad . . . at scoring goals. In fact, they got shut out by the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Capitals . . . score a lot of them. I mean, Alex Ovechkin. Come on. 

So, try not to cry while we compare their Goal Differentials. 

Through 23 games, the Washington Capitals have scored 82 goals while allowing 57 goals for a DIFF of +25. 

Through 21 games, the Chicago Blackhawks have scored 45 goals while allowing 67 goals for a DIFF of -22. 

Y-I-K-E-S. 

Let’s stop the number comparisons there so we can avoid feeling hopeless before the game begins. 

Here are your Players to Watch!

Josiah Slavin

Josiah Slavin is making his NHL debut tonight! He’s had a solid season so far with the Rockford IceHogs, putting up 8 points (4g, 4a) in 15 games. 2 of those goals? Shorthanded! He’s responsible on both ends of the ice and has been relied on heavily to kill penalties for Rockford. Much like Brandon Hagel, Slavin is a player who never takes a shift off. He just doesn’t have as much of a scoring touch as Bagel. I’m not sure that he’s quite ready to be an everyday NHL player, but getting his first taste will be great for the kid. 

Marc-André Fleury

Marc-André Fleury had a horrible start to the season for Chicago. And that’s putting it lightly. As of late, his game has returned and he’s looking more like the goaltender that won the Vezina Trophy last season. Tonight, the Blackhawks absolutely need him to be on top of his game if they want a chance to win. Why? Scroll back up to the Goal Differential section . . .

Dylan Strome

Dylan Strome has had quite the season. Nobody is quite sure where he fits on this roster. He doesn’t know where he fits on this roster. But, he’s coming back into the lineup tonight. If there were ever a chance to put up some points and make a case to stay in the fold, tonight would be a great time to do that against a high-offense Capitals team. In 12 games this season, Strome has 1 goal and 2 assists.