Following an impressive 7-3 victory against the Ottawa Senators, the Chicago Blackhawks are set to embark on an 11-day road trip, beginning with a contest against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. The Blackhawks, now sporting a 5-3-2 record, celebrated notable achievements in their last game, including Connor Bedard’s first career hat trick and captain Nick Foligno reaching his 600th career point.
Coach Jeff Blashill acknowledged the upcoming challenge, stating, “It’ll be a tough trip in western Canada. There are a lot of good hockey teams.” He highlighted the difficulty of securing wins on the road, making the recent win vital for boosting the team’s momentum. Bedard echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the trip, emphasizing that overcoming challenges together fosters team unity.
The road trip features several significant matchups, each featuring intriguing storylines.
Against the Winnipeg Jets, fans will witness a unique moment as former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews faces his old team for the first time since joining the Jets. With seven players on the current Hawks roster who previously played alongside Toews, this game symbolizes a transition, with rising stars Bedard and Frank Nazar poised to take on leadership roles for the franchise.
The next stop is Edmonton, where the Blackhawks will compete against the Oilers and their superstar Connor McDavid. Despite McDavid’s impressive record against Chicago, the Blackhawks remain a youthful and energetic squad looking to prove themselves.
Monday’s game against the Seattle Kraken will be a homecoming for André Burakovsky, who recently joined the Hawks after a stint with the Kraken. His presence on the roster is expected to bring physicality and scoring potential, positioning him for a strong performance against his former team.
Additionally, the Blackhawks face the Vancouver Canucks, recently bolstered by Lukas Reichel, a former Hawk. Reichel’s increased playing time in Vancouver will give him a chance to shine, while the Hawks look to maintain their momentum.
As they move to Calgary, the Blackhawks will aim to capitalize on the struggles of the Flames, who are currently positioned at the bottom of the league. With both teams at different points in their rebuilding processes, the Hawks seek to continue their strong start to the season.
Culminating the road trip will be a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, where former Blackhawk Patrick Kane has become an impactful player. This matchup carries significant emotional weight, as Kane’s transition to the Red Wings has marked a new chapter for both him and the Blackhawks.
This road trip offers a blend of nostalgia and opportunity for the Blackhawks as they continue to develop their young roster while celebrating historical ties, making it a pivotal stretch for the team’s season.