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Hopefully, you are off for the holidays enjoying some eggnog and time with friends and family by now. As I also put my feet up and anxiously await baby Lowe2, I'm hoping the Hawks come out with a focused effort tonight vs. the Devils.

Let's look at how the turkey and stuffing have affected the Blackhawks in the past, the 2016 holiday season:

* Dec 20th loss to Ottawa (4-3 OT)
* Dec 23rd loss to Colorado (2-1 OT)
* Dec 27th loss to Winnipeg (3-1)

2015 was a little bit better:

* Dec 20th won to San Jose (4-3)
* Dec 22nd loss to Dallas (4-0)
* Dec 27th loss to Carolina (2-1)

Note: the good news was they rattled off 12(!) straight wins after that ‘Canes loss!

Soooo, it hasn't been the best run for the Hawks in the past, who are now 1-7 after their 4-0 loss to the Stars in the Dec 20-27 timing since 2015.

The morning practice lines showed a change up for tonight:

Sharp-Toews-Saad
Schmaltz-AA-Kane
Debrincat-Hartman-Panik
Bouma-Wingels-Hayden

So, that means Hinostroza is out and Sharp goes from the doghouse to the penthouse.

I'm a little confused on a couple things: 1) why is Saad on the right? He was brought in to be a force in the top 6 on LW and, although he's been struggling, he's most effective there.

2) Hartman back at centre? Not the biggest fan of the move and that line in general?

The 8-15-88 line remains and has to be much, much better than they were vs. Dallas. I'm not singling them out as it wasn't a good game by most all-around, however, they need to be the line that drives offensive possession every game. They didn't do that and Schmaltz really looked timid last game. Just when it looks like he's turned the corner and looks to consistently play with speed, he has a game like that.

In terms of the defence pairings, I haven't seen anything posted so unsure of the health of Ruuta and Franson. If one or both is good to go, you may see both of them back in.

Saad said the Hawks were "embarrassed" by the Stars this week; let's see if the rest of his team agreed.

See ya out there!

JL


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Who we got tonight: New Jersey Devils

Season Matchup:

Chicago
New Jersey ✔

20-9-5 = 45 points
2nd in Metro Division
Last game: WON vs. NYR (4-3) on Dec 21st
GF: 106 / GA: 100
PP% = 20.6% (10th in NHL)
PK% = 83.5% (5th in NHL)
Sniper: Brian Gibbons – 12 goals
Producer: Taylor Hall – 32 points
Tough Guys: – Miles Woods - 39 PIMs & Steven Santini Benn - 89 hits
Expected Starter: Cory Schneider

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