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Ducks-Blackhawks Preview

Jan 10, 2010 - 6:07 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Anaheim (18-19-7) at Chicago (31-10-3), 7:00 p.m. EDT

The Chicago Blackhawks haven't been forced to deal with many humbling setbacks this season. At least they won't have to wait long to try and bounce back from their most frustrating loss of the season.

The NHL-leading Blackhawks look to get back on track while trying for a fifth consecutive home victory and second in eight days over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night.

One of the NHL's hottest teams, Chicago (31-10-4) appeared to be headed toward its sixth straight victory Saturday, but it blew a four-goal, third-period lead and lost 6-5 in a shootout at Minnesota.

The stunning collapse was one of the few times this season the Blackhawks showed a lack of composure and confidence on the ice. Chicago has scored at least five goals in five of six games, but it allowed more than three for the first time in that span Saturday. The Blackhawks have given up more than four goals only three times this season.

Now, coach Joel Quenneville doesn't have to wait long to see how his team reacts after losing a game it should have won.

"It's a good lesson," said Quenneville, whose team is 15-4-1 since Dec. 1. "I think we've got to make sure we keep the foot on the pedal.

"We've got a game (Sunday), an important game."

The Blackhawks have a good chance to bounce back as they try for a fifth straight home victory over Anaheim (19-19-7), which lost 5-2 at the United Center last Sunday.

Chicago's Cristobal Huet made 16 saves but allowed four goals in less than 14 minutes Saturday to fall to 20-8-3 with a 2.17 goals-against average, so backup Antti Niemi is likely to be in net in the back-to-back scenario.

Niemi, 11-2-1 with a 1.83 GAA this season, made 22 saves last Sunday in his first career appearance against the Ducks.

"I know he's been playing unbelievable," Anaheim forward Petteri Nokelainen said after scoring twice off his Finish countryman in that contest. "He's a good goalie and a great story."

Marian Hossa had two goals while Jonathan Toews, Troy Brouwer and Kris Versteeg each added one against Anaheim last weekend, and all four had a goal against Minnesota. Hossa has five goals in his last four games, while Versteeg has three goals and five assists in his last seven contests.

Patrick Kane added two assists Saturday to extend his points streak to 11 games (nine goals, nine assists). He has six assists in five career games at home against Anaheim.

Though the Ducks have struggled in Chicago, they'll try for a season-high fourth straight victory overall after snapping a five-game road losing streak with a 3-2 win at Nashville on Saturday.

"It's important that we found a way to win, especially on the road," said Jonas Hiller, who made 25 saves.

Teemu Selanne scored in his return from a 17-game absence due to a broken hand, and rookie Matt Beleskey scored in his third straight contest.

Selanne has 15 goals in 28 games this season and scored two in a 3-0 home win over Chicago on Nov. 27.

Hiller, 15-12-2 with a 2.78 GAA, could be back in net after backup Jean-Sebastien Giguere was roughed up while losing his fourth straight start last weekend at Chicago. Hiller is 3-2-0 with a 2.02 GAA all-time against the Blackhawks.