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Improved Blackhawks host Predators in Central Division battle

Dec 20, 2006 - 4:23 PM Nashville (22-8-3) at Chicago (14-13-5) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Blackhawks have been improved lately and they get to show just how much on Wednesday,

The Blackhawks face a stern test to their recent success when they host the Nashville Predators.

Chicago is 4-1-0 in its last five, and a big reason for the improvement has been the return of Martin Havlat, who missed much of the season with an ankle injury. Havlat has been excellent in his return with four goals and five assists in his six games back with the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks won their second straight game on Sunday, a 2-1 triumph over the Colorado Avalanche. Adrian Aucoin, who missed 11 games with a groin injury, netted the game-winner midway through the second period.

Chicago, 6-1-1 in its last eight home games, is 7-1-3 since Denis Savard took over as coach on November 27.

The Predators have also been playing well in winning four straight. Nashville wrapped up a home-and-home sweep of the St. Louis Blues with a 2-1 victory on Sunday.

Kimmo Timonen scored the game-winner on the power play 3:11 into the overtime session. Dan Hamhuis scored the other goal while Chris Mason made 22 saves. The Predators went 1-for-11 on the power play.