The Red Wings and Blackhawks are going head-to-head just twice per season these days, but the energy remains palpable when they do take the ice. Chicago has lost four straight games in regulation after putting together an impressive four-game winning streak in which it gave up just five goals.
The Hawks (15-20-7) are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference's Central Division, four points (37) shy of Winnipeg. Leading scorer Patrick Kane (nine goals, 27 assists) and Farmington Hills, Mich., native Alex DeBrincat have both crossed the 30-point threshold this season, and newcomer Seth Jones has tallied 23 assists. In goal, Marc-Andre Fleury has started 29 games with a save percentage of .913.
The first installment of this season's series between Detroit and Chicago was a memorable one for Lucas Raymond, one of the NHL's top rookies.
On Oct. 24 at the United Center, Raymond
recorded his first career hat trick
in leading the Red Wings to a 6-3 win. He scored in all three periods, bolstering what was a dominant effort from Detroit's then top line. Tyler Bertuzzi added a goal and two assists, while Larkin tallied three assists.
Raymond continues to lead all NHL rookies with 33 points this season, while ranking second in both goals (11) and assists (22). His rookie linemate, defenseman Moritz Seider, paces all league rookies with 23 assists.