The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off one of their most thrilling wins of the season - a shootout victory on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes. Beating a team of Carolina’s caliber, especially in their own barn, is no small feat. And now, with some momentum in their back pocket, the Blackhawks head back to the United Center for a Friday night showdown against one of the NHL’s hottest teams: the Tampa Bay Lightning.
At 21-22-7, Chicago is trying to claw its way back to .500, and this matchup presents both a measuring stick and a major challenge. Tampa has points in 14 straight games, including a 9-0-1 run in its last 10. Like the Blackhawks, they’re coming in on the second night of a back-to-back, but don’t let that fool you - the Lightning still bring a heavyweight punch.
Scouting the Lightning
Even without franchise icon Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay remains a force. The roster is still loaded with battle-tested veterans and Cup winners, and they’ve continued to find ways to win despite a growing list of injuries.
From the top line down, the Lightning still have firepower. Nikita Kucherov remains one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game, and he’s been flanked by Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli - though Cirelli left Tampa’s last game with an injury and didn’t return. If he’s unable to go tonight, and with Brayden Point already sidelined, the Lightning could be without their top two centers.
But even short-handed, they’re dangerous. Jake Guentzel has slotted in nicely since arriving, and Tampa’s forward depth - names like Yanni Gourde, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Brandon Finley - continues to step up when needed.
Defensively, the Lightning are also missing some big names. Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh are both out, which has forced Tampa to shuffle their blue line. Still, players like Jan Rutta, Erik Cernak, and Michael Raddysh have kept things steady.
In net, there’s always the looming presence of Andrei Vasilevskiy. One of the best to ever do it, Vasilevskiy is a game-changer, and if he gets the nod tonight, the Blackhawks will need to be sharp. Tampa is playing the front half of a back-to-back, so it’s possible they save Vasilevskiy for Saturday’s game against Columbus - but we won’t know for sure until warmups.
Blackhawks’ Projected Lineup
Chicago didn’t hold a morning skate, but all signs point to Arvid Soderblom getting the start in goal after Spencer Knight picked up the win in Carolina. Jason Dickinson missed Thursday’s game with an illness, so his availability remains in question. If he can’t go, expect the Hawks to roll out the same forward group that got it done against the Hurricanes.
Projected Lines:
- Greene - Bedard - Burakovsky
- Donato - Nazar - Bertuzzi
- Foligno - Dickinson - Mikheyev
- Slaggert - Moore - Lardis
Defense Pairs:
- Vlasic - Crevier
- Kaiser - Levshunov
- Grzelcyk - Murphy
Goalies:
- Soderblom
- Knight
One group to keep a close eye on is the fourth line. Don’t let the label fool you - Oliver Moore and company play with pace and purpose.
Moore, fresh off an electric 21st birthday performance, has been a spark plug. That line’s energy could be a key factor, especially against a Tampa team that can roll four lines of its own.
Special Teams Could Decide It
One of the most impressive takeaways from Thursday’s win was Chicago’s penalty kill. The Hawks went a perfect 5-for-5, and that effort vaulted them to the top spot in the NHL’s PK rankings.
That’s no small feat, especially with a team as young as Chicago. They’ll need more of that tonight, because Tampa’s power play - even without Point and possibly Cirelli - is still lethal with Kucherov and Guentzel running the show.
The Stage is Set
Chicago will be rocking their sleek black alternate jerseys for this Friday night matchup, and the United Center should have some extra juice. This is a chance for the Blackhawks to test themselves against one of the league’s best - and maybe, just maybe, keep their own win streak alive.
Puck drop is set for just after 6:00 PM CT. You can catch the game locally on AM 720 WGN or watch it live on ESPN.