The Chicago Blackhawks are hitting the road for an 11-day, six-game journey, and it’s packed with intriguing storylines. From a returning legend to tests against some of the league’s brightest stars, this trip will be a crucial test for the young Blackhawks team. The team is coming off a dominant 7-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. This road trip provides an opportunity for team bonding and growth, and it provides exciting match ups for fans to follow.
This road trip marks Jonathan Toews’ first game against the Blackhawks. Plus, matchups against Connor McDavid and Patrick Kane add extra layers of intrigue. These games offer a measuring stick for the Blackhawks’ progress. Coach Jeff Blashill emphasizes the challenges of winning on the road, highlighting the importance of this trip for team development.
Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for in each game:
Thursday at Winnipeg Jets: Toews Returns
The biggest storyline of this road trip is Jonathan Toews facing his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks. Seven current Blackhawks players once shared a roster with Toews. The game marks a symbolic passing of the torch with Bedard and Moore emerging as the team’s new stars.
Toews has two goals and three assists in 10 games with the Jets. Blackhawks fans will be watching to see if the former captain can score against his old team. Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill highlights the significance of Toews’ return. The team is preparing for an emotional game against a familiar face.
“For him, it’s going to be a cool game,” Bedard said of Toews. “It’s going to be fun to get to play against a guy like that. Obviously it’s not at home, but a lot of Hawks fans will be watching that and it’ll be cool for them.”
Saturday at Edmonton Oilers: McDavid’s Challenge
Connor McDavid has been a consistent force against the Blackhawks. In 23 career games, he has 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists). The Oilers, preseason Stanley Cup favorites, have had a slow start with a 5-4-2 record. However, they have dominated the Blackhawks recently, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 meetings.
The Blackhawks defense will need to contain McDavid’s speed and playmaking ability. Goaltender Arvid Söderblom will need to be sharp to keep the high-powered Oilers offense in check. This game represents a significant test for the Blackhawks’ ability to compete against elite talent. The Oilers’ Connor McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers.
Did Connor McDavid ever think about coming to the Hawks? Probably not, but it was fun to think about the possibility before McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million extension with the Oilers.
Monday at Seattle Kraken: Burakovsky’s Homecoming
André Burakovsky returns to Seattle, where he played for three seasons. Since joining the Blackhawks in June, Burakovsky has six points (two goals, four assists) in nine games. He’s aiming for consistency and to demonstrate his value to his former team.
Burakovsky tallied 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) in 177 games in Seattle. This game provides Burakovsky with extra motivation to perform well. The Blackhawks will look to Burakovsky to provide offensive support and energy.
Burakovsky has six points (two goals, four assists) in nine games for the Hawks. He’s working on his consistency, but he’s a large body with a finishing advantage. Maybe he’ll show the Kraken what they traded away.
Wednesday at Vancouver Canucks: Reichel’s Reunion
Lukas Reichel, recently traded to the Canucks, faces his former Blackhawks teammates. Reichel’s ice time has increased significantly since joining Vancouver, averaging 16:02 in three games. This game offers Reichel a chance to prove himself against his former team. For Reichel, his ice time dwindled as other Hawks forwards gained attention.
He was a fan favorite in Chicago and popular in the locker room. In three games with the Canucks, he has seen a sharp increase in ice time, averaging 16:02. Reichel will have had to wait less than two weeks to see his former teammates.
Nov. 7 at Calgary Flames: Contrasting Trajectories
The Blackhawks are off to their best 10-game start since 2018-19. The Flames, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the league. The Hawks are looking to return to relevancy. The Flames (2-8-1) are at the bottom of the league, with the light at the end of the tunnel a ways away.
As the Flames position themselves for next year’s No. 1 draft pick, hoping to land their next star in Gavin McKenna, the Hawks are looking to continue putting themselves in winning positions. The game highlights the contrasting directions of both franchises.
Nov. 9 at Detroit Red Wings: Kane’s Shadow
Patrick Kane, now with the Red Wings, continues to be a significant force. He has 111 points (43 goals, 68 assists) in 127 games with Detroit. The Red Wings are aiming for a playoff berth after a nine-season drought. Kane has yet to lose to the Hawks in three games against his former team.
In his first game back in Chicago in February 2024, he scored the of a 3-2 victory. The trip starts with Toews and ends with Kane — a déjà vu journey for Hawks fans. Kane has put up 111 points (43 goals, 68 assists) in 127 games with the Red Wings since first signing as a free agent in 2023.
Conclusion: A Trip of Reflection and Challenge
The Blackhawks’ upcoming road trip is more than just a series of games. It’s a journey filled with emotional returns, tests against top talent, and a chance for the team to grow closer. The Blackhawks will need to bring their best effort each night to secure wins. Fans should be prepared for an exciting and challenging stretch of hockey.
From Jonathan Toews facing his former team to Patrick Kane continuing his career in Detroit, this trip brings back familiar faces. It’s a reminder of the Blackhawks’ past successes and a glimpse into the future with Connor Bedard leading the way. Blackhawks fans have plenty to watch for as their team embarks on this journey.
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