{coyotes} BLACKHAWKS (39-21-6) at COYOTES (21-38-8)

Wednesday 11 March 2015

{coyotes} BLACKHAWKS (39-21-6) at COYOTES (21-38-8)

Thursday, March 12, 2015

10:00 PM ET

BLACKHAWKS (39-21-6) at COYOTES (21-38-8)

TV: WGN, FS-A

Season series: Antoine Vermette was with the Arizona Coyotes when he scored and had the winning goal in the shootout Feb. 9 against the Chicago Blackhawks, who've earned three of four points. (Vermette was traded to Chicago on Feb. 28).

Blackhawks team scope: Chicago is struggling without forward Patrick Kane (broken clavicle). The Blackhawks have scored nine goals in five games since he was injured Feb. 24 and haven't scored on 15 straight power plays. "Our offensive game has been poor recently, as far as puck protection, puck possession and quality of chances," coach Joel Quenneville said. "In turn, you're going to be defending when you don't have the puck. Eventually you're going to get exposed if you're going to be defending more than you traditionally do." Defenseman Johnny Oduya will play after missing six games with an upper-body injury. Forward Marian Hossa missed practice Tuesday but was on the ice Wednesday.

Coyotes team scope: Arizona, 2-12-1 in its past 15 games, has 17 goals in its past 13 games and has scored fewer than two goals in nine of 14, including two shutouts. The penalty kill allowed one goal in the past 15 times the Coyotes were shorthanded. Goalie Mike Smith, who played the first two games against Chicago, will start. Forward Lauri Korpikoski missed a 2-1 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators on Monday with an undisclosed injury but practiced Wednesday and is probable.

Team Stats