Chicago Blackhawks vs. Washington Capitals Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Washington Capitals after recently achieving one of their most commendable victories in the wake of Connor Bedard’s injury. The team has shown improved performance following the holiday break, culminating in a standout win against the Dallas Stars. The Blackhawks, enjoying this positive momentum, will face the Capitals on the road in a matchup that marks their first encounter this season. Currently, Washington boasts a respectable record of 21 wins, 15 losses, and 5 overtime losses, accumulating 47 points in the competitive Eastern Conference this year.
Key Players to Watch
As they prepare for this clash, it’s important to note the Capitals’ wealth of talent, with Alexander Ovechkin remaining a focal point. The seasoned veteran made headlines last season by surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s milestone as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. At 40, Ovechkin has netted 15 goals this season, contributing to his career total of 912. The last time Chicago visited Washington, Ovechkin made his mark by scoring twice, adding to the anticipation surrounding his play.
Washington’s offensive lines are formidable, featuring standout players like Tom Wilson, who has transitioned from a controversial figure known for his aggressive hits to a prominent offensive force—an acknowledgment that earned him a spot on Team Canada for the Olympics. Emerging talent Ryan Leonard, celebrated for his back-to-back World Junior Championships with Team USA, is also worth watching closely as he develops in the NHL.
On defense, John Carlson remains one of the league’s elite, despite an inevitable decline as he ages. Meanwhile, Jakob Chychrun is making a strong impression with 31 points to his name from 41 games played this season. In goal, Logan Thompson is expected to take the crease for the Capitals. Like Wilson, he will also represent Canada at the upcoming Olympics, showcasing his stature as a top goaltender in the league. The Blackhawks will need to strategize effectively to overcome Thompson, emphasizing tactics like creating traffic in front of the net, selecting quality shots, and applying relentless pressure on the forecheck.
Challenges Ahead
Despite some weaknesses, the Capitals possess both physicality and skill, making them a challenging opponent regardless of the outcome of the game.
For the Blackhawks, building on their recent success will be crucial as they navigate through back-to-back games this weekend. Spencer Knight is set to guard the net for Chicago, while Arvid Soderblom is anticipated to start against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. The projected lineup includes:
- Bertuzzi-Greene-Burakovsky
- Donato-Dickinson-Mikheyev
- Teravainen-Moore-Lardis
- Dach-Foligno-Slaggert
- Vlasic-Crevier
- Kaiser-Levshunov
- Grzelcyk-Murphy
- Knight
This lineup helped secure the win against the Stars, and Coach is likely to stay with a winning formula. Keep an eye on young centers Ryan Greene and Oliver Moore, who have stepped up their games significantly in Bedard and Frank Nazar’s absence. Moore, in particular, is starting to produce more points, while Greene is displaying that he is capable of competing at a high level.
Game Day Information
Fans can tune into the game locally on AM 720 WGN or watch it through CHSN. For national coverage, the game will stream on ESPN+. The puck is set to drop just after 6:00 PM CT, and fans are encouraged to follow the Chicago Blackhawks on their team site for the latest updates, game-day info, and exclusive player features. For in-depth analysis, subscribers can access the entire magazine archive of The Hockey News and enjoy a complimentary issue at THN.com/free. Don’t miss out on the action or the conversation—share your insights through the community forum on THN.com.
