Connor Murphy is expected back after an extended absence, just when the Blackhawks are playing some of their best hockey. He’ll return to the lineup Saturday against the Nashville Predators.
That’s a great thing since the last time these two teams met, without Murphy, the Blackhawks played perhaps their worst game of the season. They allowed 71 Corsi events at even strength and 42 shots, including 13 high-danger chances. They barely had anything (19 shots and three high danger chances) themselves.
Murphy coming back changes the blue line. Pick any possession stat or individual expected goals, or any defensive stat - Murphy leads.