:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4869337/134273537.jpg)
After a disappointing 4-1 home loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, the Chicago Blackhawks get a chance to redeem themselves on Friday night against the New York Islanders at the United Center. The Hawks are actually 6-4 in their last 10 games, but problems are emerging in the net. Both Corey Crawford and Ray Emery have sub-.900 save percentages this season, and Crawford has allowed 10 goals on the last 76 shots he has faced.
In an effort to make sure the offense keeps pace with the soft goal tending, head coach Joel Quenneville has elected to move Patrick Kane back to RW in practice this week to share the line with Jonathan Toews. Here is what Kane had to say about the move back from C to RW:
"Everybody was pretty much talking about it at the beginning, and I pretty much proved I can play that position," Kane said. "After that, we got on the road and we got on a long trip and things didn't click for me personally at the position. I think they felt my game was fine there. I didn't, really."
via Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun Times.
As for the Islanders, they are only 3-5-2 in their last 10 games and sport the 30th-ranked offense in the NHL. Here is breakdown of the month of November for the Islanders, courtesy of SB Nation's Islanders blog, Lighthouse Hockey:
- (Goal Diff) -21 Absolutely horrendous. In October they were a respectable 18/22 (-4 in 9 games). This is the most important stat in a transitional season. I personally blame the lack of defensive depth for the reasons stated above. Coming into the season the team looked as though it would benefit from a fourth line upgrade, and the return of 3 defensemen that missed most of 2010-11. Only Streit has made a positive impact on defense, and the fourth line upgrade, Marty Reasoner is -14 (-13 in November).
Here are some quick facts to help you find the game on Friday night:
GAME TIME: Friday, December 2nd, 7:30 p.m. CST at United Center, Chicago, IL.
TV: CSN
RADIO: WGN 720AM
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. For more Islanders hockey news and information, be sure to read Lighthouse Hockey.