Blackhawks vs Red Wings: Lineup, Notes And How To Watch

The Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings face-off tonight at the United Center. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. for the first game of the preseason. While this preseason opener might not be as highly anticipated as last year which saw Connor Bedard’s debut at the U.C., the first preseason game does bring a fresh start to Chicago.

With morning skate in the books, the Blackhawks are getting ready for puck drop. Luke Richardson will be bringing a veteran heavy roster tonight to the United Center – especially on the blue line.

Blackhawks Projected Lineup:

Forwards:
Bertuzzi-Bedard-Teravainen
Hall-Nazar-Lardis
Savoie-Ludwinski-Anderson
Donato-Spellacy-Smith

Defense:
Martinez-Jones
Vlasic-Brodie
Korchinski-Murphy

Mrazek
Weeks

Tonight’s Roster Highlights:

Where to begin, Petr Mrazek is expected to play at least half of the game tonight. This should be a good chance to see Mrazek in action. Chicago relied heavily on the goaltender last season and this year they will need another solid season. The defense very well could be the Blackhawks NHL squad this season so how they play will be interesting to see. Of course, there are plenty of other players to keep an eye on especially some of the young guys like Frank Nazar and AJ Spellacy.

Look Back:

Last season the Red Wings finished the season on the outside looking in of the playoffs. This season very well could be there year to make it, but that has to start with a good jump from the gate when the regular season comes around. Detroit finished the season 32-20-6 in 2023-24. Two of the Wings wins came at the hands of the Blackhawks beating them on Nov. 30 5-1 and on Feb. 25 3-2 in overtime – Patrick Kane’s return to Chicago.

How to Watch:

Streaming: Blackhawks Website/App
Radio: WGN 720

What to Look For In 75 Words Or Less:

The new guys. The Blackhawks have Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, Craig Smith, Alec Martinez and T.J Brodie all playing tonight. Taylor Hall and Connor Murphy both missed long stretches with injuries last season. This is a roster filled with plenty of newcomers to watch. How will Teravainen and Bertuzzi fair with Bedard? – and can Martinez play in a top pairing role with Seth Jones?

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