The Chicago Blackhawks host the red-hot Los Angeles Kings, who have won seven straight, in a 2014 Western Conference Final rematch Monday at the United Center. It is the second straight week the United Center will showcase a WCF rematch. Chicago will also be featured on NBCSN’s “Rivalry Night” against the Blues on Wednesday before traveling to Newark to face off against the Devils. The Hawks close out the week against 2015 No. 1 pick Connor McDavid and the Oilers on Sunday.
Let’s take a look at the upcoming week in Blackhawks’ hockey:
Monday – Kings at Blackhawks at 7:30 p.m. (CSN)
The only thing hotter than the Kings in California right now is the weather. The Kings topped the Predators, 4-3, on Jeff Carter’s overtime tally to win their seventh consecutive game. The two teams faced off in the 2013 and 2014 WCFs, and this time the Kings bring with them Milan Lulic, who lost the 2013 Stanley Cup Final to Chicago.
The Stars visit Toronto, while Philadelphia flies north to Vancouver.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: DAL at TOR
Tuesday – Scouting Blues
One night removed from playing Chicago, the Kings travel down to St. Louis. This game will be shown nationally on NBCSN so fans can see how the depleted Blues roster due to injuries looks before playing the Hawks on Wednesday. The New Jersey Devils, who the Hawks play on Friday, are also in action in Brooklyn against the Islanders.
Elsewhere, the Capitals head to Madison Square Garden for a Eastern Conference Semifinals rematch against the Rangers and the Lightning return to Detroit in another playoff rematch.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: DAL at BOS, LAK at STL, CLG at COL
Wednesday – Blues at Blackhawks at 7 p.m. (NBCSN)
The Blackhawks host the St. Blues for NBCSN’s “Rivalry Night.” St. Louis’ big name players: David Backes, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kevin Shattenkirk, Robby Fabbri and Paul Stastny has suffered injuries early this season, so it’ll be interesting to see what lineup Ken Hitchcock sends out onto the ice.
Elsewhere, the Penguins visit the Canucks and the Ducks host the Panthers.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: WPG at TOR
Thursday – More hockey
Nine games are on tap, including a Central Division clash between the Predators and Wild in Minnesota. John Tavares and the Islanders travel to Montreal to play Carey Price and the Canadiens. In late night hockey, the Kings host the Blue Jackets while the Panthers are at the Shark Tank in San Jose.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division action: WPG at OTT, NSH at MIN, COL at ARI
Friday – Blackhawks at Devils at 6 p.m. (CSN)
The Blackhawks visit New Jersey for their lone road game this week. It’s the first of two games against the Devils this season. Chicago score three goals in each game last season with a 3-2 shootout win in Newark and a 3-1 victory in Chicago.
Elsewhere, the Penguins face Connor McDavid and the Oilers, who the Hawks host Sunday. The Stars play at Carolina, Colorado hosts the Rangers and the Ducks face off against the Blue Jackets at home.
IceHogs: Rockford travels to Michigan to play Grand Rapids (Red Wings) at 6 p.m.
Steel: Muskegon Lumberjacks at Chicago (7:30 p.m.)
Central Division action: DAL at CAR, NYR at COL
Saturday – Intriguing hockey
The two teams that finished ahead of the Hawks in the Central last season — St. Louis and Nashville — faceoff in Music City. Another interesting matchup will be the Wild hosting the Lightning. In Eastern Conference action, the Bruins head to the Bell Centre for an Original Six contest against the Habs, while the Capitals host the Maple Leafs.
IceHogs: Rockford returns home to host the Milwaukee Admirals (Predators) at 7 p.m.
Steel: Chicago at Dubuque (6:05 p.m.)
Central Division: PHI at WPG, STL at NSH, TBL at MIN
Sunday – Oilers at Blackhawks at 7 p.m. (WGN)
Chicago gets its first look at 2015 No. 1 draft pick Connor McDavid when the Hawks host the Oilers. The Hawks went 2-1 against the Oilers last season with its lone loss a 5-2 decision in Edmonton. Antoine Vermette scored the game-winning goal for a 2-1 shootout win in the only game played in Chicago last season for the series.
Elsewhere, the Stars visit the Red Wings in what promises to be a game with plenty of goals. The Devils host the Canucks, while the Bruins visit Brooklyn to face the Islanders.
IceHogs: Idle
Central Division: DAL at DET