Blackhawks – Coyotes Game 9: Rebuilding Division Rivals

The Chicago Blackhawks are looking for a second consecutive victories while the Arizona Coyotes are looking to to avenge a tough loss to the Los Angeles Kings that saw a 4-1 lead squandered.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

The Blackhawks went into a 2-0 hole quickly before Ryan Donato and Connor Bedard woke them up and evened it up. Chicago would kill to late penalties and score on its only power play chance, an overtime winner from Philipp Kurashev. It snapped a three-game losing streak and gave the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights its first loss of the season.

Blackhawks – Coyotes Look Back

Both teams last season were far more worried about positioning themselves for the chance to land Connor Bedard. The Blackhawks won that one.

A Quick Roster Notes

• The Blackhawks recalled Isaak Phillips for the injured Alex Vlasic. This retains three young defensemen in the lineup that includes Kevin Korchinski, and Wyatt Kaiser

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

What to Watch For In 75 Words Or Less

After rallying to beat the Vegas Golden Knights, it’s the battle of Logan Cooley and Connor Bedard in what could be a preview of the Calder Trophy finalists. Also–will Lukas Reichel find the scoresheet?

Best Case/Worst Case/Final Answer

Best Case –  Another win–stringing together the young season’s first winning streak.

Worst Case – The momentum from Friday’s comeback is lost–and the Blackhawks look flat compared to the effort they showed

Final Verdict: Phillips coming in certainly changes the vibe ever so slightly on a blue line that has been solid. But Phillips has been very good in Rockford and will likely provide a jolt after a couple days off.  What hockey fans are hoping for is the first of many epic battles between Bedard and Cooley in their first matchup. Arizona plays tough and has been scrappy as well, fuming after their 5-4 loss to Los Angeles. This one has the potential to be a lot of fun.