Ducks-Blackhawks matchup won’t be just another game

Reporting from CHICAGO — Last January, the Ducks came to Chicago having won 18 of 19 games and eight straight, and were then beaten by the Blackhawks, 4-2.

Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau differed with the suggestion that the loss had any real effect on his team, noting it won at St. Louis the next night.

Yet, players on both sides know there’s a measuring-stick element to the meeting of teams that both lost to the eventual-champion Kings in seven games during last season’s playoffs.

“They’ve got a lot of character and skill, have made a couple additions, and I’m sure they’ll be there at the end of the season,” Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith said. “I do remember [the January game]. We have a lot of pride, they were on a hot streak. … You want to play strong at home.”

Chicago forward Marian Hossa, who scored two goals in the January game, is now just two points shy of 1,000 in his career.

“It’s important to win at home, especially in these games against the best teams in the league,” said Hossa, who also scored a goal on Feb. 5, when Chicago blanked the Ducks, 2-0, at Honda Center.

“We made to play a good checking game. That’s how you beat them. If we try to match offense to offense, they hurt you.”

With veteran goalie Corey Crawford injured, the Blackhawks will start rookie Scott Darling in net tonight after he beat Ottawa on Sunday by stopping 32 of 33 shots.

Rookie goalie John Gibson was first off the ice at the Ducks’ morning skate, typically an indicator of the night’s starter. Gibson beat Columbus on Friday, 4-1, with 16 saves.

Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville said the teams have “mutual respect.”

“Every game’s close and tight, lot of action … meaningful games,” Quenneville said. “... Everybody feels they can make the playoffs. I see Anaheim as one of the top elite teams in the league, so many top guys and some young guys coming along nicely. Tough test, important game.”

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