The Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings meet for the final time this season. the Blackhawks are looking to sweep the series, their last win coming at the end of March where they beat Detroit 7-1.The two teams are sitting at opposite ends of the Western Conference playoff race. Chicago has a lock on the top spot while Detroit is clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot. A win for the Red Wings is crucial if they want to see the post season.
Detroit currently holds a two point lead to the Phoenix Coyotoes. The team has made the Standley Cup playoffs 21 seasons in a row and is at risk of breaking that streak on Friday. They begin a four-game road trip having just lost five of their past six home games. Their scoring has been an issue. They have socred just two goals or fewer in regulation in four straight games, including the last six of seven games. They have also struggled to convert on the power play, going 10 for 33 in their last nine road games. They are 0 for 10 on the power play against Chicago in the four-game series. Goalie Jimmy Howard has lost his last five games against the Blackhawks, with a 2.44 goals-against average. He was pulled from their game in late March, after allowing four games in the first 14 shots.
Chicago has not swept a series against Detroit since the 1976-77 season. Corey Crawford will get the start at goalie on Friday. He has 1.15 goals-against average during a five-game win streak against the Red Wings. In the three games this season, Crawford stopped 94 of 97 shots. Patrick Kane thinks the team is operating with a lot of confidence this season, something that is help them sit comfortably in first in the conference.
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