Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs
7:00PM Eastern
NBC Sports Chicago
STARTING GOALIES:
Chicago: Anton Forsberg
Toronto: Fredrik Andersen
The schedule makers have to be happy with yet another ratings fest: tonight's marquee matchup in the NHL pits two 2-0 teams from huge media and hockey markets against each other—the young and upcoming Maple Leafs hosting the established and recently retooled Blackhawks.
There's all kinds of subtext in this one. The Leafs may remind some of the 2008-09 Blackhawks. The game features two of the premier head coaches in the league. Each team has potted 15 goals in its first two games.
The Hawks come into the game a little banged up at center. Tanner Kero did not play Saturday versus Columbus (Tommy Wingels subbed in) and Nick Schmaltz is out tonight. Schmaltz' absence may hurt—his speed was driving a lot of opportunities on the Hawks' second line with Patrick Kane and Ryan Hartman. Look for Artem Anisimov to sub in there.
This is a good test for both clubs. Expect a very fast-paced game—both teams play at a high tempo.
I'll post a recap tomorrow.
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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