NHL Picks and Tips: Anaheim Ducks at Chicago Blackhawks
Friday, December 16, 2011
Frank Martin
New coach Bruce Boudreau has yet to cure the Anaheim Ducks’ road woes. He'll have the chance to help the team avoid setting a dubious franchise record Friday when it begins a five-game trip against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Anaheim, which is 2-3-1 under Boudreau, has gone 0-6-3 in its last nine road games, matching the club mark for the longest skid away from home.
The Ducks went 0-5-4 on the road from Oct. 11-Dec. 11, 2009. Chicago is 5-0-1 in its last six contests and has won seven of 10 at home. The Blackhawks have won eight of their last 10 matchups with the Ducks in the Windy City.
- Anaheim Ducks @ Chicago Blackhawks
When: 8:30 PM ET, Friday, December 16, 2011
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Anaheim), CSN (Chicago)
The Blackhawks have opened as 210-moneyline favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NHL Hockey Odds.
Anaheim Ducks (9-16-5): Lubomir Visnovsky made a successful return to the lineup in Wednesday's victory over the Phoenix Coyotes, notching an assist while registering seven shots on goal. The defenseman had missed Anaheim's previous 13 games with a broken finger. Rod Pelley scored a goal Wednesday in his debut with the Ducks. Pelley was acquired Monday from the New Jersey Devils along with defenseman Mark Fraser for blue-liner Kurtis Foster and goaltender Timo Pielmeier.
Chicago Blackhawks (19-8-4): Ben Smith's stint in the minors was a short one as he was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Thursday, three days after being sent down. Smith has recorded one goal in seven games with Chicago this season. Patrick Sharp enters Friday's contest with a seven-game point streak during which he has collected six goals and four assists. Ray Emery, who spent last season with Anaheim, will make his fourth consecutive start.
1. Anaheim owns a record of 0-14-1 when trailing after two periods.
2. Five of Chicago's last six games have gone beyond regulation, with the Blackhawks earning nine of a possible 10 points.
NHL PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Ducks 1
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anaheim ducks - ben smith - bruce boudreau - chicago blackhawks - kurtis foster - lubomir visnovsky - mark fraser - patrick sharp - ray emery - rod pelley
