Kings-Blackhawks Preview: Dad Time

Since we last lost a game to the Chicago Blackhawks...

IN: Brandon Pirri was recalled from the AHL to center Sharp and Hossa against Columbus.

OUT: Marcus Kruger experienced a renewal of his concussion symptoms one game after his return. (The Jackets targeted him all night. Sad.) Dan Carcillo may be close to returning.

Also of note: Patrick Kane missed practice with flu symptoms, and Steve Montador had a "maintenance day."

Possible lines:

Brunette-Toews-Kane
Sharp-Pirri-Hossa
Bickell-Bolland-Stalberg
Carcillo (?)-Mayers-Frolik

Keith-Seabrook
Hjalmarsson-Leddy
Montador-O'Donnell

Crawford

Kings lines:

Gagne was placed on IR with a concussion, and did not travel with the team.

remains on the 23 man roster and shifts to wing.

Richardson-Kopitar-Brown
Loktionov-Richards-Lewis
Penner-Stoll-Williams
Clifford-Fraser-Westgarth
Scuderi-Doughty
Mitchell-Voynov
Johnson-Greene
Quick

Game outlook: The Blackhawks are the NHL's hottest team (8-1-1 in their last ten), and speed always gives the Kings trouble. Though they have improved markedly possession-wise since Murray was fired -- that's including the John Stevens road trip -- Detroit, St. Louis, and Chicago remain a cut above. It's going to take an all-out team effort and some fatherly inspiration to win this one.