[PNBkid]

***THIS IS A CORRECTION FROM ANOTHER POST WHICH WAS WRONG **

Original Iceman

Pick on TB as my NHL GAME OF THE MONTH. The Blackhawks now return to the United Center, where they haven't played since a 3-2 win over Detroit on Nov. 11. The Blackhawks get back to their home ice with Havlat, who had been out since injuring his shoulder in their season-opening 1-0 loss to Minnesota on Oct. 4. Havlat led Chicago with 25 goals and 32 assists last season despite being limited to 56 games because of injuries to his right ankle, groin and shoulder. He has five goals and eight assists in his last 10 games against Tampa Bay. HE is still going to be rusty and and it was a long road trip. TB had a close door team meeting and the team had 4 days to prepare for this game and is rested and healthy. TB has more speed on the ice and it will show tonight.


REGULAR PLAY: OTTOWA

The Senators began 2007-08 with 15 wins in 17 games, but have since dropped four of five, including their last three. They haven't suffered four straight defeats since a five-game slide from Oct. 28-Nov. 8, 2006. Ottawa gets a chance to break out of its slump against an Islanders team it has defeated eight straight times since a 5-2 loss at Nassau Coliseum on Jan. 19, 2004. Including post-season, Ottawa is 38-11-0 with 11 ties against the Islanders, and 19-5-0 with six draws at Nassau Coliseum. Ottawa has the better offense, defense, and will be focused looking to get back in the win column. Ottawa is 4-1-1 vs. the Atlantic. This team is too fast and has much the better skill.