Blackhawks at Ducks: Notes, Players to Watch, Keys to Success

The Chicago Blackhawks have an opportunity to end a five game road trip on a positive, with a win against the Anaheim Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks Leaders:

Points: Troy Terry (8)
Goals: Troy Terry (5)
Assists: Mason McTavish (5)
TOI: Cam Fowler (21:36)
Shots: Cutter Gauthier (26)

The Anaheim Ducks (4-4-2) host the Chicago Blackhawks (4-7-1) for a Sunday showdown.

Two points are on the line tonight in Anaheim. While the hope for Chicago was to be a more competitive team this season, after struggling in October tonight’s game could have real implications on the standings in April. Two points can make the difference between finishing in 30th, 31st or 32nd place.

Blackhawks and Ducks 2023-24 Results:

12/7/2023, W, 1-0, United Center
3/12/2024, W, 7-2, United Center 
3/21/2024, L, 4-0, Honda Center

Blackhawks Notes:

There is no doubt the Hawks committed a robbery last night stealing two points from the Kings. Tonight the Hawks have an opportunity to come out of the gate flying. While sometimes back to back games can be seen as a disadvantage, I think tonight should benefit the Blackhawks as the Ducks haven’t played since Halloween night. Maybe that will be too much rest and the Hawks can catch them early?

Players to watch tonight:

Arvid Soderblom is making just his third start of the season tonight. With Laurent Brossoit expected to make his return at some point this could be a big final opportunity for Soderblom.

Lukas Reichel registered another assist last night. Reichel has five assists in eight games and very well should be playing himself off of the fourth line and on to a unit with some more skilled players like Taylor Hall or even Connor Bedard.

Keys to success:

The Anaheim Ducks might have a better record, but their defense has not been great through ten games. The Ducks are averaging 35.8 shots against per game compared to Chicago’s 30. The Hawks have to take advantage of their scoring chances tonight – under ten shots by the end of the second period is not going to cut it like last night.

For more Blackhawks News from Jim Lynch and Brooke LoFurno, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

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