Blackhawks vs Stars: Lines, Keys, Players to Watch

The Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars faceoff tonight in Chicago, a Central Division clash before Thanksgiving tomorrow.

For the Blackhawks, tonight’s game comes with a sad truth. Few teams that are outside of the playoff picture at Thanksgiving tend to make the playoffs, and right now, the Hawks actually sit in last place across the entire NHL.

The Dallas Stars look like one of the true contenders for the Stanley Cup this year and tonight’s game gives them the opportunity to bounce back from a 6-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday.

Blackhawks vs Stars 2024-25 Results: 

10/26/2024 L, 4-2 Dallas at American Airlines Center
11/7/2024 L, 3-1 Dallas at American Airlines Center

The Blackhawks and Stars have already met twice this season, with Dallas winning both matchups. Dallas has had their way against the Central so far this season with a 4-1-0 record in divisional games. Chicago is 2-4-1 against their divisional rivals.

Chicago Blackhawks Projected Lines:

Hall – Bedard – Kurashev
Bertuzzi – Donato – Teravainen
Mikheyev – Dickinson – Foligno
Maroon – Reichel – Smith 

Vlasic – Murphy
Kaiser – Martinez
Allan – Brodie 

Mrazek

(Based on Tuesday’s Practice)

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, these are some pairings Blackhawks fans can be thankful for from Luke Richardson. Bedard is back playing with some more skilled forwards like Hall and Kurashev, and Dickinson is back centering a really impressive shut down line with Foligno and Mikheyev.

Keys to success for the Blackhawks:

In the Blackhawks’ last loss to the Stars, Dallas won 71.4 percent of the faceoffs. Chicago was chasing play throughout the night, with Dallas holding court in the Blackhawks offensive zone outshooting Chicago 40 to 26.

Tonight, the Blackhawks need to be better in the faceoff dot, and that starts on the top line with Connor Bedard.

Players to Watch:

Alex Vlasic has played his way into consideration for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Vlasic has stepped up in the absence of Seth Jones and has become one of the top shutdown defenseman not just in Chicago, but across the NHL. With just a few games left before the 4 Nations Face-Off roster is announced, this is a big game for Vlasic to boost his resume.

For more Blackhawks News from Jim Lynch and Brooke LoFurno, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

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