The Chicago Blackhawks are set to play against the St. Louis Blues on Friday night in what marks their 31st game of the season. This match kicks off a back-to-back series in Chicago over the weekend.
Earlier this season, the Blackhawks and Blues met once in St. Louis, with Chicago winning decisively 8-3. Friday’s game will be the second of their four scheduled matchups this year.
The St. Louis Blues have struggled this season. After making the playoffs last year, they now hold a disappointing record of 11 wins, 14 losses, and 7 draws, totaling 29 points and ranking 29th out of 32 NHL teams. Their most recent game was a tough 7-2 loss against the Nashville Predators, the team previously ranked last. This means the Blues will be playing back-to-back games.
Key players expected to lead St. Louis include Robert Thomas, Jake Nabors, and Pavel Buchnevich, with additional help from Dylan Holloway, Brayden Schenn, and Pius Suter. However, without Jordan Kyrou, who is sidelined due to injury, the team’s depth is a concern. Despite their poor record, the Blues have a defensively solid squad that consistently poses challenges, particularly to divisional rivals.
The Blackhawks will likely once again use 12 forwards and six defensemen, a setup they’ve been experimenting with recently. After sending Sam Lindsell to the AHL, this might become their standard format. Notable players include Spencer Knight, who is expected to start in goal, and Louis Crevier, a defenseman aiming to continue his surprising offensive contributions. Tyler Bertuzzi has been one of Chicago’s top performers this season, tied for second in the league with eight power play goals, and is likely to play alongside Frank Nazzal and Oliver Moore.
Frank Nazar, who scored in the last meeting between these teams, is a promising young talent for Chicago. Despite some criticism over his scoring, head coach Jeff Blashill remains confident that with continued effort, Nazar will find his scoring touch.
Fans can listen to Friday’s game on AM 720 WGN in the Chicago area or watch it on ESPN+, Hulu, or Disney+, with puck drop just after 7 p.m.
Fan Take: This matchup is crucial as it highlights the rebuilding journey of both teams, especially the Blues who are looking to bounce back from a challenging season. For hockey fans, watching emerging talents like Frank Nazar and seeing how teams adjust their strategies provides exciting insights into the future of the sport.
