CHICAGO -- Here’s what to watch for when the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks play at the United Center on Tuesday:
• The Lightning are tied for an NHL-leading 23 points. They’re 11-3-1 and are on a six-game winning streak. It's their second longest winning streak as a franchise.
• The Blackhawks are coming off a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. They’re looking for their first consecutive wins since they won the fourth and fifth games of the season. They’re 8-6-1 on the season.
• The Lightning have been winning games by outscoring their opponents. They’re second in the league with a 3.80 goals-per-game average while allowing 2.67 goals per game. Goaltender Ben Bishop is 9-1-1, but has a 2.44 goals-against average and .910 save percentage. Offensively, they’re led by Tyler Johnson, who has five goals and 13 assists, and Steven Stamkos, who has 10 goals and six assists.
• The Blackhawks’ strength has been their defense this season. They lead the league with a 1.87 goals-against average. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford is fifth in the league (minimum five games) with a 1.75 goals-against average and seventh with a .932 save percentage.
• The Blackhawks’ lines during their morning skate were Kris Versteeg – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Kane, Bryan Bickell – Brad Richards – Brandon Saad, Ben Smith – Marcus Kruger – Marian Hossa, Peter Regin – Andrew Shaw – Jeremy Morin. The defenseman pairings are expected to be Duncan Keith – Brent Seabrook, Johnny Oduya – Niklas Hjalmarsson, Trevor van Riemsdyk – Michal Rozsival.
