Morning Skate Deluxe: Wednesday, 3/18

Tonight’s Slate:
Devils @ Hurricanes, 7:00 ET
Blackhawks @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Stars @ Flames, 9:00
Predators @ Ducks, 10:00

Games of the Night:
Game #1: Chicago Blackhawks @ Columbus Blue Jackets
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Records:
Overall: Blackhawks (37-22-9) … Blue Jackets (36-28-6)
Last Ten: Blackhawks (3-6-1) … Blue Jackets (6-4-0)
Away/Home: Blackhawks (19-14-3) … Blue Jackets (22-11-2)
Season Series: 2-1 Blackhawks

Players to watch:
CHI- Brian Campbell
Chicago needs Campbell to produce more from the back end.
CBJ- Rick Nash
I really expect Nash to play well tonight.

Projected Goaltenders:
CHI- Cristobal Huet (08-09 stats: 19-14-3, 2.46 GAA)
CBJ- Steve Mason (08-09 stats: 28-17-3, 2.24 GAA)

Injury Report:
CHI- Samuel Pahlsson (mono, out), Patrick Sharp (lower body, out), Brent Sopel (elbow, out)
CBJ- Fredrik Modin (knee, out), Marc Methot (concussion, out), Jason Chimera (groin, out), O-K Tollefsen (knee, out), Derick Brassard (shoulder, out)

Game Thoughts:
Chicago has played lackluster hockey lately, but I expect them to turn it around tonight. It’ll be interesting to see how the Jackets respond from getting shut out by Detroit on Sunday. In the end, I like the ‘Hawks to find their winning ways once again in a tight one.

Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackets 3
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Game #2: Dallas Stars @ Calgary Flames
9:00 ET… TV: TSN, NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Records:
Overall: Stars (33-29-8) … Flames (40-23-6)
Last Ten: Stars (4-5-1) … Flames (5-5-0)
Away/Home: Stars (14-16-4) … Flames (22-8-4)
Season Series: 2-0 Stars

Players to watch:
DAL- Steve Ott
If Ott continues his success from last night, I like the Stars’ chances.
CGY- Olli Jokinen
Jokinen has been on fire since going to Calgary.

Projected Goaltenders:
DAL- Marty Turco (Last night @ VAN: 21 Saves, 4 GA)
CGY- Miikka Kiprusoff (08-09 stats: 40-17-5, 2.88 GAA)

Injury Report:
DAL- Brad Richards (wrist, out), Brendan Morrow (knee, out), Sergei Zubov (hip, out)
CGY- Todd Bertuzzi (knee, out), Rene Bourque (ankle, out), Wayne Primeau (foot, out), Mark Giordano (shoulder, out), Rhett Warrener (shoulder, out)

Game Thoughts:
This is a total gut-feeling prediction. The Flames have had a lot of defensive problems lately, but have been able to score with the best of ‘em, too. Dallas lost 4-2 last night in Vancouver, but had the Canucks on their heels in the 3rd. I believe Calgary will sort of solve their defensive woes, but Turco will be solid tonight to give the Stars 2 much-needed points.

Prediction: Stars 3, Flames 1
The rest of today’s predictions:
Devils over Hurricanes
Predators over Ducks