For the first time in 10 years, the Blackhawks will begin their season in Europe.
The Blackhawks will play the Flyers at O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic, as part of the NHL’s Global Series, reports John Shannon of Sportsnet. Dates and times are expected to be announced at a later date.
The Blackhawks and Panthers split a back-to-back in 2009 at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland, with Chicago dropping the first game 4-3 in a shootout before a 4-0 win the next day. Chicago went on to win the Stanley Cup that season for the first time in 49 years.
Chicago has four players left from its 2009 roster: Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews. Kane had a goal and an assist in each game, but was unsuccessful on his shootout attempt in the first game. Seabrook had one assist in the loss and two helpers in the win. Keith also had an assist in the win.
The Blackhawks have two Czech-born players with forwards David Kampf and Dominik Kahun, while the Flyers have three: Jakub Voracek, Radko Gudas and Michal Neuvirth.
The rest of the Blackhawks’ 2019-2020 schedule is expected to be announced June 19 or 20 prior to the NHL draft in Vancouver, which begins June 21.
Blackhawks games in Europe
Sept. 12, 1992: MTL 3, CHI 2 in London, England
Sept. 13, 1992: CHI 5, MTL 4 (OT) in London, England
Sept. 28, 2009: CHI 9, HC Davos 2 in Zurich, Switzerland
Sept. 29, 2009: ZSC Lions 2, CHI 1 in Zurich, Switzerland*
Oct. 2, 2009: FLA 4, CHI 3 (SO) in Helsinki, Finland
Oct. 3, 2009: CHI 4, FLA 0 in Helsinki, Finland
*Victoria Cup