Bruins vs Blackhawks Preview: O Captain! Tall Captain!

Just the Facts:

Game Time: 7:00 PM, TD Garden.

TV Broadcast: NESN, CSNC, TVA2

Radio Broadcast: 98.5 The Sports Hub

Rival SB Nation Site: Second City Hockey

Season Record: Bruins: 15-12-1, 5th in Atlantic Division | Blackhawks 19-8-1, 1st in Central Division

Blackhawks Lines:

Brandon Saad - Jonathan Toews - Marian Hossa

Kris Versteeg - Brad Richards - Patrick Kane

Bryan Bickell - Andrew Shaw - Patrick Sharp

Daniel Carcillo - Marcus Kruger - Ben Smith

Defensive Pairings:

Duncan Keith - Brent Seabrook

Niklas Hjalmarsson - Johnny Oduya

Klas Dahlbeck - Michal Rozsival

Goalies: Antti Raanta, Scott Darling

IR: Trevor van Riemsdyk, Corey Crawford

Bruins Lines:

Chara - Krejci? - Chara

Chara - Chara - Chara

Chara - Chara - Chara

Chara - Chara - Chara

Defensive Pairings:

Chara - Chara

Chara - Chara

Chara - Chara

IR: not Chara

Game Notes:

• On Tuesday, Zdeno Chara practiced with the team for the first time since October 23. He hasn't officially been cleared for games yet. Details, right? He was paired with his usual partner, Dougie Hamilton. David Krejci feels "much better," but his status is more uncertain.
• Simon Gagne is taking an "indefinite leave"  because his dad has an incurable form of cancer. Some things are more important than hockey. This is heartbreaking stuff and I'm wishing for the best possible outcome for Gagne and his family. Bruins recalled Craig Cunningham from Providence as a possible replacement, although Seth Griffith skated in Gagne's spot during Wednesday's practice.
• Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford is out with a lower-body injury he says happened when he "missed a step during a concert." Is this better or worse than that time Adam McQuaid tripped over a suitcase? How about when Manny Fernandez hurt his back toweling off in the shower? I urge you to research "stupid NHL injuries," you will not be disappointed. Here's a bit about Crawford's replacement from Second City Hockey.
• The Blackhawks are on a seven-game winning streak. The Bruins are definitely not on a seven-game winning streak. It's better to think of the Bruins on a game-to-game level. Offensive production is looking up. Chara will probably (maybe…hopefully…please?) play tonight. Krejci might play tonight.

NEVER FORGET:

Don't worry, it's not that game.

Last Game in Fancy Stats

Oooh, I like this one. This one is fun.