MAPLE LEAFS (26-18-5) at BLACKHAWKS (22-19-6) 8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports, NHL.TV
The Blackhawks have been outscored 13-3 in three straight defeats, each at home, and are 1-4-0 in their past five games at United Center. The Maple Leafs are 1-2-3 in their past six games, but have points in six of their past eight (3-2-3). Toronto hopes to get a boost from forward Kasperi Kapanen, who was recalled from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League on Tuesday. He has two goals in six games for the Maple Leafs this season.
Players to watch
Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner has five assists in a three-game point streak after having five points (one goal, four assists) in his previous 15 games. Blackhawks goaltender Jeff Glass, expected to start Wednesday, made 29 saves in a 2-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
They said it
"They've been lucky because their guys were so good so young. [center Jonathan] Toews and [forward Patrick] Kane still aren't that old. Well most teams, you don't get like that until you're 28, and then she's over fast. So that's just the process, is working those guys in." -- Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock on coaching a young roster "Coverage can be challenging for some young guys but we still have to get to the tough area. ... You always talk about your opponent going in, I'm worried more about us tonight." -- Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville
The Blackhawks are discussing the possibility of Crawford joining them on their road trip after the All-Star break, but him playing "may be a little distant," Quenneville said. Crawford has not played since Dec. 23. ... Center Frederik Gauthier was assigned to the AHL to make room for Kapanen.
Stat pack
Matthews has three points (two goals, one assist) in his past two games after having no points in his previous four games. ... Toews has no points in his past five games after having nine (five goals, four assists) in a five-game point streak.
