Three Things to Watch: Blackhawks look to end skid vs. Sabres

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Here are Three Things to Watch when the Blackhawks take on the Buffalo Sabres tonight on NBC Sports Chicago and streaming live on the NBC Sports app. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. with Blackhawks Pregame Live.

1. Reinforcements coming?

After losing their fifth straight game, the Blackhawks recognized that changes needed to be made. So on Thursday, they placed Tanner Kero on waivers and all indications point to Vinnie Hinostroza getting recalled if/when Kero clears.

Hinostroza leads the Rockford IceHogs with 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 23 games, and has proven he belongs on the big league roster. It'll be interesting to see where he plays, if he's in fact the player coming up. His speed can certainly help provide an offensive spark, and might be better suited to play a top six role off the get go.

2. Anton Forbserg or Jean-Francois Berube?

Forsberg was really good in his first two starts after Corey Crawford went down with a lower-body injury, but he struggled in his third one Wednesday in Washington, allowing three goals in a span of 3:28 and was pulled before the first period ended.

Berube wasn't too bad in relief. He stopped 12 of 14 shots, and didn't look out of place. There's a chance Crawford returns Sunday vs. Arizona, so this could be the only chance Berube gets at starting before then.

3. American boys.

It's unfortunate we won't get to see the possibility of Patrick Kane and Jack Eichel playing on a line together for Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics. It could have been special to watch as two of the faces of the country.

But they will share the same sheet of ice tonight, and each of them tend to take their game to a higher level when they square off.

Eichel has recorded at least a point in three of four career games against Chicago while Kane has 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 13 games against his hometown Sabres. Kane had two goals and three assists against them last year, including an overtime winner on Jan. 5 at home.

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