Blackhawks open preseason against Blue Jackets

The Chicago Blackhawks open their preseason schedule against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. It’s the first of two preseason meetings between the two teams. They’ll face off again Saturday, Sept. 29 in Chicago.

Cam Ward and Collin Delia will split time in net for Chicago. Ward, who signed a one-year deal worth $3 million this offseason, is expected to be the Blackhawks’ starting goaltender if Corey Crawford (concussion) is unable to start the season. The 34-year-old Ward posted a 23-14-4 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 43 games last season with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Delia is projected to start the season with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.

Chicago will have a young lineup with four exceptions. Veteran centers Artem Anisimov and Marcus Kruger will skate and left-handed defensemen Erik Gustafsson and Brandon Davidson, who is attending training camp on a professional tryout contract.

Columbus will be playing for the second straight night after falling 4-1 to Buffalo on Monday. David Savard scored the Blue Jackets’ lone goal. Matiss Kivlenieks made seven saves as the starting goalie for Columbus but left after the first period with a lower-body injury. Brad Thiessen allowed four goals in relief. The Blue Jackets also struggled on the man advantage going 0 for 5.

Lineups

Blackhawks

Blue Jackets

How to watch

Start time: 6 p.m. Central

Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus

TV: NBC Sports Chicago+