The Chicago Blackhawks have another four-game week. The Hawks return home for two home games against the Panthers and Devils on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Chicago closes out the week with a weekend back-to-back, Saturday in Philadelphia and a Central Division matchup against the Jets on Sunday in Chicago.
Let’s take a look at the upcoming week in Blackhawks’ hockey (all times Central):
Monday – Off Day
There are just two games on the schedule with a Central Division matchup between the Blues and Stars in Dallas. The game can be seen on NHL Network (U.S.) at 6 p.m. while the Flames visit Islanders an hour earlier.
IceHogs: Idle
Tuesday – Panthers at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (CSN)
The Hawks return to United Center since Nov. 13. The two teams split last season’s series with the Hawks winning 3-2 before dropping a 4-0 loss on the road with Scott Darling in net. Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook each tallied a goal and two assists while Corey Crawford stopped 16 of 18 shots in the win. The Panthers had six goal scorers, including Brian Campbell, who is now back with the Hawks. Roberto Luongo faced 27 shots in each game.
Elsewhere, Boston visits rival Philadelphia for the first half of NBCSN’s doubleheader. In the nightcap, the last two No. 1 overall picks meet as Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs visit Connor McDavid and the Oilers.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: DAL at DET, NJ at WPG, NSH at COL, MIN at VAN
Around the NHL: CAR at NYR, TB at CBJ, BOS at PHI, BUF at OTT, TOR at EDM, MTL at ANA, ARI at SJ
Wednesday – Off Day
NBCSN’s “Rivalry Night” has Sidney Crosby (shocker) and the Penguins visiting the Islanders before the Battle of California with the Kings hosting the Sharks. The only other game on is the Leafs continuing their West Coast trip with a stop in Calgary.
IceHogs: IceHogs vs. Manitoba (Jets), 7 p.m.
Central Division: Idle
Around the NHL: PITT at NYI, TOR at CGY, SJ at LAK
Thursday – Devils at Blackhawks, 7:30 p.m. (CSN)
It’s December!? The Hawks seek a season series sweep when they host the Devils. Artem Anisimov scored with 3 minutes, 45 seconds left in overtime to give the Hawks a 3-2 win in the first meeting this season. Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist. Crawford made 30 saves for his first win against the Devils since Feb. 13, 2015. Devils backup goalie Keith Kinkaid stopped 26 of 29 shots in the loss. New Jersey’s starter Cory Schneider is 8-5-3 with a 2.53 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 16 games this season.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: DAL at PITT, EDM at WPG, CBJ at COL
Around the NHL: CAR at BOS, NYR at BUF, NYI at WSH, PHI at OTT, FLA at DET, TB at STL, LAK at ARI, ANA at VAN
Friday – Off Day
There are two games on tap with the Wild visiting Calgary while Montreal is on the West Coast stateside to face the Sharks.
IceHogs: IceHogs vs. Chicago (Blues), 7 p.m.
Saturday – Blackhawks at Flyers, Noon (WGN)
After a day off, the Hawks head to Philadelphia for first half of a back-to-back to close out the season series against the Flyers. Anisimov, Kane and Panarin combined for 11 points and Marian Hossa scored his 500th NHL goal in a 7-4 win over the Flyers in their fourth game of the season. Chicago blew a 4-0 lead, but the second line scored three consecutive goals to avoid the loss.
Matt Read scored twice while Claude Giroux had three assists for the Flyers in the loss. Michal Neuvirth started for the Flyers and made 12 saves before he was pulled following the Hawks’ fourth goal. Steve Mason made nine saves on 11 shots in relief.
IceHogs: Rockford vs. Grand Rapids (Red Wings), 7 p.m.
Central Division: NJ at NSH, WPG at STL, DAL at COL
Around the NHL: BOS at BUF, CAR at NYR, TOR at VAN, FLA at OTT, WSH at TB, DET at PITT, CBJ at ARI, ANA at EDM
Sunday – Jets at Blackhawks, 6 p.m. (CSN)
Chicago closes out the week back at United Center, looking to avenge its 4-0 loss to the Jets. The Hawks’ Circus Trip got off to a rough start as Connor Hellebuyck made 27 saves to shut out the Hawks at MTS Centre. The Jets scored three times in the third period, including two goals just 11 seconds apart to pull away from Chicago. Crawford was pulled for Darling after the Jets’ fourth goal.
This was also the game Vincent Hinostroza suffered a concussion at the hands of Josh Morrissey, who was given a charging penalty. It won’t be a surprise to see some boos when Morrissey touches the puck.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: PHI at NSH, MINN at EDM
Around the NHL: MTL at LAK, TB at CAR, DET at NYI, ANA at CGY