The Blackhawks have left the ice following their morning skate in preparation for tonight's game against the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center. It's the first time these teams have met since the Hawks eliminated the Canucks in last season's hard-fought, six-game Western Conference semifinals series.
"I expect more of the same," said Hawks winger Patrick Kane, who had his first career hat trick in Game 6 when the Hawks won 7-5. "It was a pretty intense series and obviously we came out with the better result.
"I'm sure they're going to want to make up for thsat series last year so we have to come out ready to play and be ready for their best."
Antti Niemi will get the start in goal for the Hawks and there will be one change in front of him as Jordan Hendy will replace veteran Brent Sopel on defense.
"We want to get Jordan in," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "It's Game 9 and we were looking to see him get in earlier than this but we didn't really want to change a winning lineup. He looked good in camp. I like the way he skates and we're happy to get him in the game."
The Canucks, who are winless on the road this season, will be without Daniel Sedin (broken foot). His twin brother, Henrik, is leading Vancouver in scoring with three goals and eight assists but is now without his longtime linemate and sibling.
"I still think one is dangerous without the one," Quenneville said. "We'll try to be aware of (Henrik Sedin) when he's out there. I still don't know which one is which."
"I expect more of the same," said Hawks winger Patrick Kane, who had his first career hat trick in Game 6 when the Hawks won 7-5. "It was a pretty intense series and obviously we came out with the better result.
"I'm sure they're going to want to make up for thsat series last year so we have to come out ready to play and be ready for their best."
Antti Niemi will get the start in goal for the Hawks and there will be one change in front of him as Jordan Hendy will replace veteran Brent Sopel on defense.
"We want to get Jordan in," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "It's Game 9 and we were looking to see him get in earlier than this but we didn't really want to change a winning lineup. He looked good in camp. I like the way he skates and we're happy to get him in the game."
The Canucks, who are winless on the road this season, will be without Daniel Sedin (broken foot). His twin brother, Henrik, is leading Vancouver in scoring with three goals and eight assists but is now without his longtime linemate and sibling.
"I still think one is dangerous without the one," Quenneville said. "We'll try to be aware of (Henrik Sedin) when he's out there. I still don't know which one is which."
