The NHL preseason is like any other sports, it’s all about knocking the cobwebs off and gearing up for the real deal. While most teams look to get players in shape during this short training period there are some games that can’t be taken lightly. The Chicago Blackhawks vs the Detriot Red Wings are one of those.
Over the years, this had been one of hockey’s best rivalries in the NHL with either team playing in five of the last 11 Stanley Cups Finals. The Red Wings hold the regular season advantage but the Blackhawks have dominated where it matters most, in the playoffs. But should a preseason matchup be taken as serious as a regular season of playoff matchup? Yes.
This is still the best rivalry in the game and when they get together you should expect a tough fight. Early on, the Red Wings have looked the role of contenders as they have jumped out to a 3-0 record, while the Blackhawks have looked more like the team that was upset in the first round last season with a 1-3 record.
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The Blackhawks still have possibly the most dangerous player in the world in Patrick Kane but this preseason the Hawks have failed to score consistently. If they want to get that bad taste out of their mouth from last season they will need to find a way to give their lines better scoring chances.
The Red Wings are the complete opposite. They have torched the net this preseason as they look to get their franchise back on track after a few setbacks themselves. What makes Detroit so dangerous is their balanced attack. While the Blackhawks have Kane, their next top scorer is, Anisimov (20) and Toews (28), then after that its a drop off in production. But the Red Wings have options from top to bottom. Their leading scorer may have only 52 points but they have five others with 40+. That is how you win in this league.
Here is where you can watch the game live Tuesday night.
Date: Tuesday, October 4
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. (EST)
TV Channel: NHL Network
Live Stream: Stream 1