Blackhawks Hit the Road After Home Stand
The Chicago Blackhawks have embarked on a short road trip after spending a significant amount of time playing at home. Despite recently breaking a five-game losing streak, the team remains on the edge of the playoff bubble with a record of 11-9-5. The first game of this trip is a crucial one, as they face off against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. This marks the first matchup between the two clubs this season, and it’s a significant test for the Blackhawks as they aim to solidify their playoff position.
Connor Bedard: Star of the Month
On Tuesday, the National Hockey League announced that Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks’ superstar, was named the NHL’s “Third Star of the Month” for November. This recognition is well-deserved, as Bedard has been nothing short of phenomenal. His November performance brought his total to 37 points, placing him third in the NHL. Bedard’s contributions have been vital, and his chemistry with linemates Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky gives the top line a dynamic blend of speed, power, and finesse. His honor is a testament to his skill and the impact he has had on the team this season.
Scouting the Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights boast one of the most talented rosters in the NHL. Their lineup is filled with superstars like Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Pavel Dorofeyev, Tomas Hertl, and the recently signed Mitch Marner. On defense, Noah Hanifin and Shea Theodore anchor a formidable back end. Despite their star-studded roster, the Golden Knights have a record of 11-6-8, with many of their losses coming in overtime. This has kept them afloat in the Western Conference playoff chase, but their performance has not matched the expectations set at the beginning of the season. The absence of William Karlsson due to injury is a significant blow, as he is a key player in all three zones. Additionally, their goaltending has been inconsistent, and Marner is still adjusting to his new role with the team.
Blackhawks’ Projected Lineup
The Blackhawks’ recent comeback win against the Anaheim Ducks, where they scored five unanswered goals to win 5-3, is a testament to their resilience and determination. For their game against the Vegas Golden Knights, the projected lines and defense pairs are as follows:
- Forwards:
- Greene-Bedard-Burakovsky
- Bertuzzi-Nazar-Moore
- Teravainen-Dickinson-Mikheyev
- Dach-Donato
- Defense:
- Vlasic-Crevier
- Kaiser-Levshunov
- Grzelcyk-Murphy
- Rinzel
- Goaltender:
- Spencer Knight
Landon Slaggert and Sam Lafferty are likely to be the scratches, and Spencer Knight will start in goal for the second consecutive game. Knight has been reliable, with a 2.51 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. He proved his mettle against the Ducks, recovering from an early two-goal deficit to secure the win. The team’s 11/7 strategy has been beneficial, allowing all defensemen to play more when they are performing well, and providing offensive depth and speed in the middle six.
Preparing for a Tough Match
Although the Vegas Golden Knights haven’t been as dominant as expected this season, they still possess an elite roster that could be a serious contender in the playoffs. The Blackhawks must be fully prepared for this challenge. Bedard’s presence on the top line, along with the depth and speed in the middle six, will be crucial. The 11/7 lineup has been effective, giving the team flexibility and allowing key players to double shift when needed. The defense, led by Vlasic and Crevier, will need to be solid, and Spencer Knight will play a pivotal role in keeping the puck out of the net. The game will test the Blackhawks’ resolve and their ability to perform at a high level against a top-tier opponent.
How to Watch
For Blackhawks fans, the game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. National streaming options include ESPN+ or Hulu. The puck is set to drop shortly after 9 PM CT. To stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more, visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site. For access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Stay tuned for the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to their newsletter, and share your thoughts by commenting on articles or posting in their community forum.
