Three Things to Watch: Blackhawks return from break to face Predators

Share

Here are Three Things to Watch when the Blackhawks take on the Nashville Predators tonight on NBC Sports Chicago and streaming live on the NBC Sports app. Coverage begins at 6 p.m. with Blackhawks Pregame Live.

1. Can top line build off monster game vs. Detroit?

This was one of our three things to watch against Detroit, and we're making it one again. The trio of Alex DeBrincat, Anthony Duclair and Jonathan Toews had a monster game in a 5-1 win over the Red Wings going into the All-Star break, combining for four goals and four assists. 

It was a much-needed offensive explosion for a team struggling to find the back of the net as of late. Will they lead the way again and pick up where they left off?

2. Artem Anisimov's role.

After missing nearly a month with an upper-body injury, Anisimov returned to the lineup for the final three games before the All-Star break but has seen his role diminish. While he's still on the power play, Anisimov is slotted in as the third-line center with Nick Schmaltz thriving in the second-line center role and it makes for a deeper lineup.

But Anisimov's ice time has decreased in each of the last three games, going from 15:30 to 13:39 to 13:33, the latter two of which are second- and third-fewest of the season, respectively. It'll be interesting to see whether the Schmaltz-Anisimov-Patrick Kane line will be reunited down the road if things go sideways or if the middle is permanently set for balance purposes.

3. P.K. Subban.

With a goal in three straight games, Subban has tied his career-long goal streak set back in the 2010-11 season when he scored three in a row against Carolina, New Jersey and Chicago. He's never had a four-game goal streak, so look for him to try to keep that going tonight.

He has 12 goals in 47 games this season, already surpassing the 10 goals he scored last year in 66 games. His career high is 15 set in 2014-15, which he did in 82 games. At this rate Subban is certainly on pace to break that mark.

Contact Us