Chicago @ Vegas preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 22, 2019 ) Vegas 2, Chicago 1

The Vegas Golden Knights have lost three in a row and five of six, due in large part to permitting a pair of third-period goals four times during that stretch. The Golden Knights hope to get back on track when they play five of their next six at T-Mobile Arena, beginning with a matchup against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.

Vegas wrapped up its four-game road trip with a 3-2 setback at Eastern Conference-worst Detroit after again giving up two goals in the final 20 minutes. “I think it comes down to each individual having the confidence that they can change the game any time they go out there, whether we just give up a goal or we just score a goal,” forward Max Pacioretty said. “We’ve got to have that same mentality of always attacking and trying to play on the offense.” The Blackhawks have dropped all seven career matchups versus the Golden Knights, including a 2-1 shootout loss in Chicago on Oct. 22, but their offense has come alive with 12 goals during a three-game point streak. "Our top-end guys are firing right now and it's good when those guys are going," rookie Kirby Dach said. "We just have to keep playing within the system and keep trusting ourselves and our game and we'll be alright."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (6-7-4): Captain Jonathan Toews got off to a miserable start with just two points in his first 11 games, but he is finding his stride with six points in his last six contests. "I obviously wasn't happy with my game the first bunch of games of the year," said Toews, who had a goal and an assist in Sunday's 5-4 win over Toronto. "You can't really expect to score if you're not creating much, if you're not playing with the puck all night and at least that's trending in the right direction." Toews has five points in seven games versus Vegas.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (9-7-3): Injuries have limited forward Alex Tuch to only two games this season but he skated on the third line at Tuesday's practice and hopes to rejoin the lineup after sitting out the past four contests (upper body). “I want to try to be a game-changer every night going forward using my speed and my size to try to turn the tide,” Tuch said. “I’m really happy to be back, but our team has to take it up a notch moving forward.” A 20-goal scorer last season, Tuch missed the first 13 games before he was hurt in his second game back.

OVERTIME

1. Blackhawks F Patrick Kane has five goals and six assists during a six-game point streak.

2. Vegas G Marc-Andre Fleury is 5-0-0 with 12 goals allowed versus Chicago since joining the Golden Knights.

3. Chicago F Alex DeBrincat has nine points in his last eight contests.

PREDICTION: Golden Knights 3, Blackhawks 2