(My Sportsbook) - The Blackhawks and Maple Leafs will renew an Original Six rivalry when Chicago makes the trip to Toronto for this evening's contest at Air Canada Centre.
Chicago, which has won its last three over the Maple Leafs, will be playing in Toronto for the second straight season. The Blackhawks posted a 6-4 win at Air Canada Centre on October 20, 2007, their second straight win there.
The Blackhawks are playing the third test of a six-game road trip after opening the swing with back-to-back victories. The club opened the trek with Tuesday's shootout victory in Phoenix and followed two nights later with a 6-3 decision over Dallas.
Patrick Kane scored twice in leading the Blackhawks to Thursday's win at American Airlines Center. Kane is tied with Patrick Sharp for the team lead in goals and is first on the club with 24 points.
Kris Versteeg had a goal and two assists, while Brian Campbell and Ben Eager each scored and had a helper for the Blackhawks, who improved their road record to 3-3-1 this season.
Nikolai Khabibulin made 31 saves for Chicago, winners in six of its last nine overall. The 'Hawks also won at Dallas for just the second time in the last 12 encounters.
The Blackhawks are in the midst of their second-longest road trip of the season and still have games against San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles before returning to the United Center on December 3. The club's longest swing of the year is an eight-game stretch from January 28 to February 13.
Toronto has lost two straight and three of its last four games and hasn't played since dropping Monday's close decision against visiting Boston. Tim Thomas made 28 saves and withstood a late Toronto surge as the Bruins edged the Maple Leafs, 3-2.
Jason Blake and Mikhail Grabovski had the markers for Toronto, which has also lost six of eight overall.
Vesa Toskala allowed three goals on 22 shots in the loss, marking the sixth time in seven outings that he's surrendered three or more goals.
The Maple Leafs are just 3-3-3 as the host this season and are playing the middle test of a three-game homestand that is scheduled to end Tuesday against Atlanta.