The Chicago Blackhawks will look to extend their historic start when they visit the Detroit Red Wings on national television on Sunday afternoon.
Chicago has not lost a single game in regulation during its first 21 games; in fact the team has not lost in open ice play as the three defeats have come in the shootout. No team has gone more than 16 games without losing in regulation. The team is coming off a hard fought 4-3 overtime win over Columbus on Saturday. Chicago gave up a goal 31 seconds into the game and was down 2-1 for much of the second period. Despite the lapses, the team found a way to win the game.
"We were down early in this game. It shows the character in this room to come back. It's been fun. We're just having a blast right now," said Chicago's Bryan Bickell after the win.
"You get that swagger and confidence when you're on a streak like this." Stalberg added. "You have confidence you'll find a way to get it done."
With 39 points, Chicago has a stranglehold 15-point advantage for the Central division crown and leads Anaheim by eight points for the first seed in the Western Conference.
The Red Wings know that their task on Sunday will be difficult.
"It's going to be a grind," Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall said about playing Chicago. "A lot of times we're going to have to keep it simple, get the pucks out of our zone and into their zone. A lot of times the goals aren't going to be scored off the rush, it's more off a grind."
The Wings only have 23 points and are battling to remain in the playoff hunt. A loss to Chicago could put them out of the playoff picture in a hurry as 10 teams in the West have at least 22 points or more.
Prediction: Chicago will not go 48 games without a regulation loss. Detroit seems like the ideal team to end the team's historic run.
Start Time: 12:30 PM EST
TV: NBC, NHLN-CA
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