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Blackhawks close preseason home slate against Penguins
Brad Boron - chicagoblackhawks.com
The Blackhawks finish off their 2011 preseason home slate with a tilt against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Last Game: The Blackhawks rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Detroit Red Wings, 4-3. Patrick Kane recorded a goal and an assist in his preseason debut, Duncan Keith added three assists and Marian Hossa scored the game-winning goal in the third period. Corey Crawford made 17 of 20 saves for the victory, his second of the exhibition season.
Three Stars (Players to watch):
Ray Emery: Free agent invitee Emery will get to make his case for the No. 2 goalie spot, as he will get the start in net for Chicago and is expected to play the entire game. Emery has made appearances in two games so far this preseason, splitting each with fellow backup spot contender Alexander Salak. The 29-year-old goaltender went 7-2-0 in 10 apperances with Anaheim last season.
Patrick Kane: Kane made his preseason debut - at a new position, to boot - and quickly reminded Blackhawks fans just how explosive he could be. Teamed with Andrew Brunette and Marian Hossa on his wings, Kane scored a goal, added an assist and gave himself and his linemates several nice looks at the net. Kane will get at least one more night at center Friday, said Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville, who also noted the chemistry Kane's line had developed in very little practice time.
Duncan Keith: Duncs did it all Wednesday night: not only did Keith lead the Blackhawks in ice time and score three assists, but he also spent more time on special teams than any other Blackhawk. Assuming he is on the roster for Friday's game, he will certainly get his fair share of time against Pittsburgh's top line.
Rising Star (Must-watch prospect): With injuries to Viktor Stalberg and Ben Smith, the chances for a young forward prospect to make the Blackhawks' opening-night roster have grown. Depending who Joel Quenneville and his staff choose to go with on Friday, Brandon Saad, Brandon Pirri and Marcus Kruger may get a chance to show the coaches what they've got.
Know the enemy (Opponent Report): The Penguins are 4-0-0 on the preseason, including three on home ice. No roster has been released, but according to pittsburghpenguins.com, Evgeni Malkin was centering the Pens' top line with James Neal and Steve Sullivan, who may return from injury Friday night in Chicago.
Fun Fact: The Blackhawks' attendance of 20,078 on Wednesday was the team's second-largest crowd for an exhibition game in franchise history. The record was set Sept. 25, 2010 against Detroit, with a crowd of 20,553.
Here are the full rosters.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Forwards
9 Pascal Dupuis
10 Mark Letestu
11 Jordan Staal
18 James Neal
24 Matt Cooke
26 Steve Sullivan
27 Craig Adams
33 Steve MacIntyre
45 Arron Asham
46 Joe Vitale
48 Tyler Kennedy
71 Evgeni Malkin
Defense
4 Zbynek Michalek
5 Deryk Engelland
7 Paul Martin
37 Brian Strait
58 Kris Letang
70 Joseph Morrow
Goaltenders
1 Brent Johnson
29 Marc-Andre Fleury
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Forwards
13 Daniel Carcillo
15 Andrew Brunette
16 Marcus Kruger
19 Jonathan Toews
22 Jamal Mayers
29 Bryan Bickell
37 Brandon Pirri
43 Brandon Saad
67 Michael Frolik
81 Marian Hossa
85 Rostislav Olesz
88 Patrick Kane
Defense
2 Duncan Keith
4 Niklas Hjalmarsson
5 Steve Montador
6 Sean O'Donnell
7 Brent Seabrook
8 Nick Leddy
Goaltenders
30 Ray Emery
53 Alexander Salak
