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"Canucks look for revenge against Blackhawks
David Kalan - NHL.com Staff Writer
Last 10 -- Vancouver 5-4-1; Chicago 6-3-1
Season series -- The Blackhawks have won both of the previous meetings between these teams this season, the most recent a 7-1 thumping of the Canucks in the middle of Chicago's "Circus Trip" on Nov. 20 at Rogers Arena.
Big story -- With two postseason meetings in the last two years, Vancouver and Chicago are no strangers to one another, but with the Blackhawks easily having gotten the better of their recent encounters, the Canucks need to prove to themselves -- and to the Hawks -- that they can beat Chicago.
Team Scope:
Canucks -- Much was expected of the Canucks this season, but the first eight weeks of the season have had their ups and downs. The Canucks suffered a recent four-game losing streak, but have rebounded in a big way, winning their last three games by a combined score of 17-5, including a 6-1 trouncing of San Jose on Nov. 26. In their most recent outing, the Canucks scored four goals in the third period to knock off the Flames 7-2 in Calgary. Mason Raymond, a native of nearby Cochrane, Alta., had his second career hat trick.
The winning streak has put the Canucks back in front in the Northwest Division, one point ahead of Colorado, and into the second overall spot in the Western Conference. One key to their continued success will be getting continued scoring from their last three lines -- it's been a good sign for Vancouver that the recent spurt has come despite comparatively quiet efforts from the Sedin twins.
Blackhawks -- The Hawks are starting to heat up -- they went 4-2-0 on their two-week trip and came home for a 7-5 victory against St. Louis on Tuesday. Corey Crawford has been in goal for the last three games, so the big concern will be whether they can continue their run when Marty Turco returns to the crease Friday. Crawford allowed one goal in back-to-back wins at Anaheim and Los Angeles, but allowed five goals in the victory against the Blues. Turco is getting his first start since Nov. 24. Coach Joel Quenneville is banking that 10 days off will do Turco some good after he surrendered 11 goals in his last two starts.
Who's hot -- After missing the beginning of the season due to injury, Alex Burrows looks to be getting back into form playing alongside the Sedins. Burrows has five points in his last four games. ... Patrick Sharp is continuing his brilliant season in Chicago. The winger has 8 points during a five-game scoring streak, including a goal and an assist in each of the last three games.
Injury report -- Chicago took a big hit this week when Marian Hossa went down with a lower-body injury that will keep him out for 2-3 weeks. Fernando Pisani is also listed as questionable for the Hawks. Vancouver is without Rick Rypien, who has been out since Nov. 25 due to personal reasons.
Stat pack -- The Hawks are playing the second of four consecutive games at the United Center, but they're still looking for the home magic they had last season. Chicago was an impressive 29-8-4 at home last season, but is just 6-7-0 so far this season.
Puck drop -- The Blackhawks are learning one of the classic lessons in sports -- it's harder to defend a title than win one. They will try to match a season high with their fourth consecutive victory -- but they'll be facing a Vancouver team that looks far different than the one they routed less than two weeks ago."David Kalan - NHL.com Staff Writer
:facepalm: 
