CHICAGO -- Two struggling teams will try to add a bright spot in the middle of dreary seasons when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night at the United Center.
Chicago (25-27-8) has one win in its past 10 games (1-8-1) and appears poised to be a seller before Monday's NHL trade deadline. The Blackhawks are on track to miss the postseason for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign.
Ottawa (21-28-9) is one of about a half-dozen teams with a worse point total than the Blackhawks. The Senators have 10 losses in their last 16 games and appear likely to miss the playoffs only one season after reaching the Eastern Conference finals and coming within one goal of reaching the Stanley Cup finals.