Wednesday Daily Puck: Flyin' with Ryan

There is just one game on the NHL schedule, but it's a good one. Daniel E. Dobish takes a look at the clash between Western Conference titans.

Updated on February 8, 2017 4:26AM EST

By:

Daniel Dobish

Updated on February 8, 2017 4:26AM EST

The Daily Puck

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There is just one game on the National Hockey League schedule on Wednesday, but it's a good one. In fact, it's a matchup we could very well see deep into the Western Conference playoffs.

Featured Matchups

Blackhawks (PP: 17, PK: 28) at Wild (PP: 13, PK: 11), 8:00 p.m.
Expected Goalies:Corey Crawford (20-12-3, 2.58, .917), Darcy Kuemper (6-3-2, 3.16, .907)
Key Injuries:Michal Rozsival (lower body), Victor Bartley (triceps), Jonas Brodin (finger)

The Blackhawks have struggled lately against teams with a winning record, dropping five straight, although they're 4-1 in their past five games away from home. The Wild represent another tough test for Chicago, as Minnesota has won 12 of their past 15 games at home while going 9-1 in their past 10 against Central Division foes. And while the 'Hawks have struggled against winning teams, the Wild have won 16 of their past 21 against teams with an overall winning mark. In addition, the Blackhawks have dropped six straight in this series, so Crawford could be in for another rough outing. He has allowed three or more goals in 10 of his past 12 outings, including a loss Jan. 15 against Minnesota in the most recent meeting. Patrick Kane lit the lamp twice in that mid-January loss, his only multi-goal performance of the season. Jason Pominville, who posted two goals and two assists in Tuesday's win in Winnipeg, potted the game-winning tally in the first meeting. He has four goals with 13 points over his past nine outings.

Recommended Pickup
Ryan Hartman, RW, CHI -- Hartman checks in fifth on the team in goals scored (12), and he has managed 22 points with a solid plus-9 rating, tied for second-best on the team. Despite skating on the checking line, he has lit the lamp in each of his past two games, and he is not shy about taking shots. Hartman has three or more SOG in four straight, and nine of the past 13. The 22-year-old is making the most of his first full season in the NHL, showing he belongs at the highest level. In deeper formats he is a solid roster addition, and he can also be a solid low-priced flier in DFS play.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.