SHARKS VS. CHICAGO

Faceoff: 4 p.m. today at United Center

TV: CSNCA

Radio: 98.5-FM

Head to head: Last season the Sharks were on both ends of 6-5 scores at the United Center, winning in regulation on Nov."‰16 and losing in a shootout on March 25. This is the first meeting of the season between the teams.

Blackhawks update: Chicago is on a three-game winning streak and sits atop the Central Division. RW Patrick Kane leads the offense (6 goals, 12 assists). G Cristobal Huet (2.19 GAA, .905 save percentage) is minding the net most nights now that Nikolai Khabibulin is in Edmonton.

Blackhawks injuries: RW Marian Hossa (shoulder), C Dave Bolland (back) and C Adam Burrish (knee) are out.

Sharks injuries: LW Jody Shelley (soreness) and D Rob Blake (upper body) are out.

— DAVID POLLAK