For the last few weeks, the Blackhawks have been chasing the Wild in the Central Division standings. Soon they will get a chance to change the dynamic in their favor.
The Wild entered their game against the Jets on Tuesday with a four-point lead and three games in hand. Wednesday marks the first of two meetings in two weeks between the Wild and Hawks, who recognize the importance of making a move to get back to the top of the standings.
"As of now it's our biggest game of the year," winger Patrick Kane said. "Dangerous team. You look at the depth of their lineup, it's not like they have one or two superstars that are scoring all their goals. They have three, even four lines that can score."
Captain Jonathan Toews said the Hawks fell flat on their faces the last time they had a chance to knock off the Wild, which came at the end of a brutal two-game stretch last month that started with the Capitals blowing out the Hawks.
"We didn't really answer the call at that time," Toews said. "Obviously it wasn't our best the way we were playing, but the way we're playing on the road right now going into (Wednesday's) game, we're excited for this game and to try to redeem ourselves.
"They just have a ton of confidence. Even when they're not playing so well, they're finding ways to win. They're a tough team to beat right now, and it's something we'll be ready for."
Corey Crawford will get the start in net for the Hawks.
Head of the class: After the Bruins fired Claude Julien on Tuesday, Joel Quenneville became the longest-tenured coach in the NHL. Julien was the Bruins coach since the start of the 2007-08 season.
"It's always tough when you see a fellow coach (let go)," Quenneville said. "Claude was there for a long time, did an outstanding job, kind of like (Ken Hitchcock). Their work in Boston and St. Louis was outstanding. They should be proud of what they accomplished. ... That's the real negative of our business is when that happens."
How did Quenneville feel about having the league's longest tenure?
"Well, I don't know if we should talk about that," he said with a laugh.
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