Game 41 Preview: Chicago Blackhawks @ Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators host the Chicago Blackhawks tonight and hope to build on a modest two game winning streak.

Here’s tonight’s probable line-up:

Some thoughts:

• The Blackhawks have left Brent Seabrook at home for this one, making him a healthy scratch for the first time in his career. Seabrook has assumed a greatly reduced role this season, and neither his counting numbers nor his on-ice shot metrics look much good. Considering he’s in just year two of an eight year extension that will pay him through his age 38 season, Chicago badly needs more than this from the veteran.
• Chicago may not be the team they one were, but they do have some young talent on the way up: Alex DeBrincat and Vinnie Hinostroza are the two to keep an eye on. Hinostroza’s hot play, 8 points in 11 games, has earned him a spot on the top line next to Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad
• Everyone knows the Sens have quality top end talent, but the two games this past weekend felt like the first time the first two lines were clicking at the same time. Twelve goals for in two contests, including ten from the top two units, will leave you feeling that way.
• It may be coming a bit too late for some people’s taste, but the glory of a Thomas Chabot -- Erik Karlsson top pairing is something to behold. It’s just....so beautiful/

Stats for tonight’s teams:

Team Stats

Player Stats