Blackhawks take on Red Wings in 1st preseason home game
The Hawks are rolling a more star-studded lineup Thursday at home.
The Blackhawks’ “B” team gave a pretty good showing in the preseason opener against the Blue Jackets, but now we get to see something closer to a real lineup Thursday night at home against the Red Wings.
Instead of a lineup full of prospects and players on PTOs, fans at the United Center will be treated to the likes of Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and company. Jonathan Toews didn’t practice Thursday morning, but he’s also expected to be replaced on the top line by David Kampf.
There’s not a whole lot to mention here other than the importance of a few players standing out. In particular, Alex DeBrincat should have a huge opportunity as he’ll likely play on the second line with Kane and Nick Schmaltz. The Hawks are experimenting with the possibility of rolling out that All-American line when the real games begin, but having some success in a preseason game would probably make it easier to do that.
So that’ll be worth watching, and we’ll also get our first look at Connor Murphy on the same pairing with Duncan Keith. If that works, it’ll go a long way toward stabilizing the defense this season.
Projected lineups
Blackhawks
Brandon Saad — David Kampf — Richard Panik
Alex DeBrincat — Nick Schmaltz — Patrick Kane
Patrick Sharp — Artem Anisimov — Ryan Hartman
Jordin Tootoo — Tanner Kero — Tommy Wingels
Duncan Keith — Connor Murphy
Luc Snuggerud — Brent Seabrook
Michal Kempny — Jan Rutta
Corey Crawford
Jeff Glass
Matt Tomkins
Red Wings
TBD
How to watch Blackhawks vs. Red Wings
Start time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: United Center, Chicago
TV: WGN
