Chicago Blackhawks’ Centennial Season Opener
As the Chicago Blackhawks embark on their centennial season, they are set to return home to the United Center for a highly anticipated matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. This game signifies the team’s season opener in front of their hometown fans after a challenging start on the road, which resulted in two losses — one against the Florida Panthers and another in overtime against the Boston Bruins, leaving them with a record of 0-1-1 early in the season.
Turning the Tide
Despite the setbacks, some promising aspects emerged during these games. The Blackhawks aim to capitalize on their previous encounters with Montreal, as the Canadiens made a strong playoff push last season, during which the Blackhawks faced tough defeats. Chicago will look to turn the tide in their home opener, hoping to deliver a more favorable outcome.
Standout Rookies
Adding to the excitement, both teams feature standout rookies — Connor Bedard from the Blackhawks and Lane Hutson from the Canadiens — who are the recent recipients of the prestigious Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top rookie. Bedard, known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and precision shooting, teams up on the first line alongside players like Andrei Burakovsky and Kirby Dach. In contrast, Hutson, a highly skilled defenseman, is recognized for his offensive contributions as well as his effectiveness on the power play.
Expected Lineup and Broadcast Information
The Blackhawks’ expected lineup includes exciting forwards like Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi, while Ryan Greene is anticipated to step up in the absence of the injured Jason Dickinson, a critical checking center who did not return after leaving Thursday’s game. The defensive and offensive lines may undergo further adjustments, with both Louis Crevier and Sam Lafferty‘s availability being points of special interest.
Fans can tune in to witness this intriguing matchup live, with local broadcasts available on CHSN and national coverage on NHL Network. The puck is poised to drop just after 6:00 PM CT, and excitement abounds as the Blackhawks aim to grab their first victory of the season on home ice against a familiar adversary.