Thursday October 9, 2014

American Airlines Center in Dallas

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday night, the Chicago Blackhawks will travel to meet the Dallas Stars as both teams make their 2014 – 2015 season debuts.  It will be a meeting of two teams trying to improve on the successes of last season.

 Fans of the Blackhawks have become spoiled by their team’s success in recent years.  Chicago has won 2 Stanley Cups since 2010 and they were in the Western Conference Finals last season.  But when you have a taste of winning, you want more and Chicago is no different.   After locking up Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane for the foreseeable future, the Blackhawks added Brad Richards to boost an already strong team.   If Chicago plays up to their potential, they could be contending for another Stanley Cup come playoff time.

The Dallas Stars also got a taste of the playoffs last season and the hope is that they will get another shot at the postseason this year.  Even though they were eliminated in the Western Conference Quarterfinals last season, it was their 1st playoff appearance in years.  This season, Dallas added center Jason Spezza and right wing Ales Hemsky from the Ottawa Senators.  Those additions, along with captain Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and the rest of a youthful squad could spell success in Dallas not only this season but in many seasons to come.   But the Stars have struggled against the Blackhawks in recent years and this first game could be a test of how ready the Stars are to contend later on in the season.       

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Blackhawks

10/06/14 D Johnny Oduya Lower Body "?" Thursday vs. Dallas
10/06/14 D Michal Rozsival Upper Body doubtful Thursday vs. Dallas

Dallas Stars

10/06/14 RW Valeri Nichushkin Undisclosed "?" Thursday vs. Chicago
10/05/14 GO Kari Lehtonen Concussion probable Thursday vs. Chicago
10/05/14 C Rich Peverley Heart out indefinitely
10/05/14 D Sergei Gonchar Ankle doubtful Thursday vs. Chicago

Tony's Pick: Take Chicago

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