[sc:NHL250 ]A 2-1 loss at home against the Carolina Hurricanes back in late December spurred the Chicago Blackhawks into a 13-2 stretch, including a franchise record 12-game win streak. The defending Stanley Cup champions now meet the Hurricanes for the second time in the regular season, traveling to Carolina for a big primetime game on Tuesday night.
Elsewhere on the map, the No. 7 Xavier Musketeers bring their booming offense to Providence in a clash against one of the nation’s best college basketball teams, the No. 10 Providence Friars. It’s going to be the first ever top 10 showdown in Dunkin Donuts Center, which means everyone will be in for quite a treat when the ball tips off for this Big East showdown.
[sc:NHL240 ]Eddie Lack had a masterful performance between the pipes the last time the Carolina Hurricanes met the defending Stanley Cup champions on the road. He stopped 35 of 36 the Chicago Blackhawks’ shots, and the only goal he allowed came with just three seconds left in the game. The Blackhawks are struggling to find the back of the net once again, having been outscored 6-3 in their current 1-2 stretch.
If there’s one man that can give Chicago a lift, though, then it’s Patrick Kane. The league’s leading scorer has 16 more points than the next best player on the list, and also has the most goals this season (30). Having him on the ice should help the Blackhawks serve some sweet revenge.
Writer’s Prediction
The Blackhawks get a tight 3-2 victory.
Xavier Musketeers vs. Providence Friars (8:30 PM ET)
There’s no easy game in the Big East. Just take a look at the Providence Friars; they’ve beaten two ranked opponents within a week, including a top-five team on the road. Their next challenge ahead? The seventh-ranked Xavier Musketeers at home Tuesday night.
Ben Bentil and Kris Dunn will continue to lead the way for Providence. Bentil is averaging 23 points and nine rebounds in his last eight games, while Dunn is on pace to become the first college player in 20 years to average 17 points, seven assists and six boards. The Musketeers, on the other hand, will likely fire back with Trevon Bluiett, who’s averaging 15.4 points per game to lead his team. He’ll have some back up from James Farr as well, who’s coming off a career-high 24 points with 15 rebounds in Saturday’s 84-76 win over Seton Hall.
Writer’s Prediction
Xavier takes a closely-contested game against a worn-out Providence squad.
