The Chicago Blackhawks are 1-7 in their last 8 games played. Their only win was an impressive shootout victory over the Dallas Stars, who are currently one of the best teams in the NHL. However, things have been difficult without Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.
Now, the Blackhawks will host the New York Islanders, who are one of the surprise teams in the NHL this season. With the number one pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer, in the mix, things have been fascinating for this franchise. With a record of 21-14-4, their 46 points place them in second place in the Metropolitan division.
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New York Islander Scouting
The New York Islanders have sneaky good players in every corner of their lineup, which has contributed to their status as a top-three team in their division.
Lee-Barzal-Holmstrom
Drouin-Horvat-Heineman
Duclair-Pageau-Shabanov
MacLean-Cizikas-Gatcomb
Schäfer-Pulock
Pelech-DeAngelo
Warren Mayfield
Rittich
Hogberg
Matthew Schaefer appears to have the potential to become an all-world player on New York’s blue line. The fact that he’s only getting better is scary, but that’s what you hope for when you make a number one pick.
Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat as 1-2 in the middle are solid for the Islanders. With JG Pageau and Casey Cizikas in the 3-4, their center depth can rival most teams.
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In goal, they used David Rittich because their superstar, Ilya Sorokin, was injured. Whether they’ll use Rittich or Marcus Hogberg remains to be seen, but the Blackhawks will need to have a good forecheck, be smart with the puck and create a good presence in front of the net if they want to score on Patrick Roy’s team.
Projected Lines, Defense Pairings and Goaltending for Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks, without Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard, do not have a winning roster. However, they have a handful of big players who will be a part of this team when it’s winning down the road.
There are also a handful of veterans on the roster who do a great job setting an example for the young and inexperienced players. Currently, they are going through a difficult period and need to get out of the crisis.
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Bertuzzi-Greene-Burakovsky
Teravainen-Moore-Lardis
Donato-Dickinson-Mikheyev
Foligno-Dach-Slaggert
Extras: Lafferty, Toninato
Vlasic-Crevier
Kaiser-Levshunov
Grzelcyk-Murphy
Supplement: Del Mastro
Knight
Spencer Knight will start for the Blackhawks against the Islanders. He wasn’t at his best in his last few starts, but he was incredible throughout the season. Balshill doesn’t give his number one goalie much time before allowing him to try and rebound.
The most interesting thing about these lines is that Teuvo Teravainen puts Nick Lardis on his line. Lardis is a shoot-first type of player, so being on a line with all-passing Teuvo could lead to more goals. Oliver Moore is going to play center on this line, which is something he learned to do in college.
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Before Monday’s practice, Connor Bédard skated. He handled his stick and skated with speed, but he didn’t make a single shot. Frank Nazar also started eating solid foods, confirming that he broke his jaw.
Connor Bédard skated before Monday’s Blackhawks practice
How to watch
The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To watch this match, it is available locally on CHSN. Nationally, it can be streamed on ESPN+ or NHL Network. The puck will drop shortly after 7:30 p.m. CT.
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Visit Chicago Blackhawks hockey news team website to stay up to date on the latest news, match day blanket, player featuresand more.
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