The Chicago Blackhawks enter Wednesday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights trying to do something they’ve never done: beat the NHL’s newest team.
In the first seven meetings between the clubs, the Knights are a perfect 7-0-0 against the Blackhawks, including a triumph earlier this season at the United Center. The Golden Knights swept the season series in each of their first two campaigns, and are now looking for their eighth win in a row against Chicago.
According to the NHL, Vegas’ dominance over Chicago is rare. Vegas is the 21st team in NHL history to win at least its first seven games against an opponent in an all-time series.
In addition to trying to beat Vegas for the first time, the Blackhawks are trying to accomplish a feat they’ve only achieved once so far this season: winning back to back games. They haven’t won consecutive contests since Oct. 14 and 18, when they beat the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center.
The Blackhawks will attempt to capture the victory with Corey Crawford in net, as the goaltender is playing for the third time in the last four contests. Robin Lehner took a shot off of his collarbone in the team’s win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it appears that the team is looking to take things slowly with him as a tough back-to-back looms over the weekend against Nashville and Buffalo.
Patrick Kane could be key to that quest, as he’s scored five goals and dished out five assists in his last five games. The winger leads the Blackhawks in both goals and assists this season, and he will skate with Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome in Wednesday’s game.
Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m., and the game can be seen on NBCSN.
