Blackhawks – Canadiens Game #3: Need to Know Info

The Chicago Blackhawks third game in the last week takes them north of the border for a second consecutive matchup with an Original Six rival–this time against the 0-0-1 Montreal Canadiens. Puck drops at 6pm.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

Connor Bedard buried his first NHL goal but it would be the only goal the Blackhawks would get in a 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. Taylor Hall was injured in the second period and would return for just a shift before missing the remainder of the game.

Quotable

“We need him shooting the puck for sure. It gives us another shot threat. Obviously, he’s got some great speed for the breakout. We’re looking for him to find some confidence and shoot that puck.”

Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson on what he’s looking for out of Lukas Reichel on the powerplay

Blackhawks – Canadiens Look Back

The Hawks lost both meetings with Montreal last season, dropping one in overtime and being outscored 7-2 in the pair of games. The Canadiens are also in a rebuild, looking for some positive strides in what is a tough Atlantic Division with up and coming teams as well as the mainstay powers of Tampa Bay, Boston, Toronto, and defending Eastern Conference champion Florida.

The Canadiens dropped their opener to the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 in a shootout.

Projected Lines

#Blackhawks projected lineup vs. Canadiens:
Donato-Bedard-Raddysh
T. Johnson-Reichel-Athanasiou
Foligno-Dickinson-Perry
Katchouk-Guttman-R. Johnson

Vlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Murphy
Tinordi-Kaiser

Mrazek
Söderblom

Extras: Entwistle, Zaitsev
Injured: Hall

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 14, 2023

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

What to Watch For In 75 Words Or Less

Reichel going to the top power play is certainly the top draw in a game where the 1-1 Blackhawks can try to flip things back to winning ways. Also, how will Wyatt Kaiser respond after a tough second game?

Best Case/Worst Case/Final Answer

Best Case – Reichel flourishes on the man advantage with Bedard as a linemate, finding some synergy and a goal or two for the unit

Worst Case – The Blackhawks netminding regresses a bit and they struggle to generate any offense

Final Answer: Blackhawks pick up a close win