FLAMES (4-5-1) at BLACKHAWKS (5-3-1)
8:30 p.m. ET; CSN-CH, SNF, NHL.TV
Flames team scope
The Calgary Flames might have a lineup change based on the illness of an undisclosed forward. "Our roster isn't completely set yet tonight [for] how we're going to play, because we do have a guy who's sick up front," coach Glen Gulutzan said. "We're not going to say who that is, but all these guys in here know that our lineup that will be posted is tentative based on how one guy is feeling coming back to the rink." The forward lines were different during the morning skate than in Calgary's 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday, but it's unclear if any changes will stick. If rookie Matthew Tkachuk plays, it will be his final game before the Flames must decide whether to send him back to London of the Ontario Hockey League or begin his entry-level contract. Tkachuk has a goal and four points in eight games, including assists in the past three. "We're right at the nine-game mark," Gulutzan said. "He's done everything, in my mind, he can do. He's handled himself, he's done what he can and we'll just see what transpires in the next few days." Goalie Brian Elliott, who defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout at United Center on Oct. 24, will start in net.
Blackhawks team scope
Artem Anisimov is looking to extend his career-high point to streak to eight games for the Chicago Blackhawks, who have points in their past four games (3-0-1) and won their past two. Anisimov has scored a goal in the past two games. His six goals are tied for the NHL lead with teammate Richard Panik and six other players, and his 11 points are tied for third in the League in scoring with five other players. "He's had a great start to the season," said Patrick Kane, who played right wing on Anisimov's line most of last season. "I know he had a great start last year too. When you have that balance down the lineup, especially with him on the second line, it's only going to do good things for our team." Panik also has three assists and nine points to rank among the NHL's top 25 scorers. Rookie defenseman Gustav Forsling will return from an upper-body injury that sidelined him the past two games. Defenseman Michal Kempny will likely be scratched. Goalie Corey Crawford will make his fourth straight start.
Flames projected lineup
Johnny Gaudreau -- Sean Monahan -- Alex Chiasson
Kris Versteeg -- Sam Bennett -- Troy Brouwer
Matthew Tkachuk -- Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik
Lance Bouma -- Matt Stajan -- Micheal Ferland
Mark Giordano -- Dennis Wideman
Jyrki Jokipakka -- Dougie Hamilton
Brian Elliott
Scratched: Brett Kulak, Nicklas Grossmann, Freddie Hamilton
Injured: Ladislav Smid (neck)
Blackhawks projected lineup
Richard Panik -- Jonathan Toews -- Patrick Kane
Artemi Panarin -- Artem Anisimov -- Marian Hossa
Tyler Motte -- Marcus Kruger -- Nick Schmaltz
Vinnie Hinostroza -- Dennis Rasmussen -- Jordin Tootoo
Duncan Keith -- Brian Campbell
Niklas Hjalmarsson -- Brent Seabrook
Gustav Forsling -- Michal Rozsival
Corey Crawford
Scratched: Ryan Hartman, Michal Kempny
Injured: Trevor van Riemsdyk (upper body), Andrew Desjardins (lower body)
Status report
Desjardins might return against the Dallas Stars at United Center on Sunday, in the back end of a home-and-home set against the Stars. … Hartman will be scratched for the second straight game. … Kempny is expected to be scratched for the second time in four games. … Brouwer participated in the Flames' morning skate, but wasn't on a forward line during line rushes. He is expected to play. … Freddie Hamilton centered the second line at the morning skate, but was one of the last players off the ice. Hamilton has been scratched the past three games.
Who's hot
Crawford is coming off his first shutout and has a .975 save percentage during 5-on-5 play this season, making 159 saves on 163 shots. … Since allowing four goals in a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 20, Elliott is 3-1-0 with a 1.73 goals-against average and .941 save percentage.
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