Blackhawks at Flames: Latest Line Combinations, Goalie Matchup & Analysis

Game Preview: Blackhawks vs. Flames

The Chicago Blackhawks visit the Calgary Flames for a Western Conference showdown at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Both teams are searching for consistency early in the season, and this matchup offers a good test for two squads in different stages of development.

The Blackhawks continue to rely on rookie sensation Connor Bedard, while the Flames aim to rediscover their offensive identity behind veterans Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri.

Chicago Blackhawks Projected Lineup

Forwards

• Philipp Kurashev – Connor Bedard – Lukas Reichel

• Nick Foligno – Tyler Johnson – Taylor Raddysh

• Joey Anderson – Jason Dickinson – Ryan Donato

• Boris Katchouk – Cole Guttman – MacKenzie Entwistle

Defensemen

• Alex Vlasic – Seth Jones

• Kevin Korchinski – Connor Murphy

• Jarred Tinordi – Nikita Zaitsev

Goaltenders

• Starter: Petr Mrazek

• Backup: Arvid Söderblom

Analysis:
Chicago continues to build around Bedard’s offensive spark, while veteran defenseman Seth Jones anchors the blue line. Mrazek is expected to start in goal after a steady performance in his last outing.

Calgary Flames Projected Lineup

Forwards

• Jonathan Huberdeau – Nazem Kadri – Andrei Kuzmenko

• Andrew Mangiapane – Mikael Backlund – Blake Coleman

• Yegor Sharangovich – Dillon Dubé – Martin Pospisil

• A.J. Greer – Adam Ruzicka – Walker Duehr

Defensemen

• Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson

• MacKenzie Weegar – Chris Tanev

• Oliver Kylington – Nikita Okhotiuk

Goaltenders

• Starter: Jacob Markstrom

• Backup: Dan Vladar

Analysis:
The Flames’ defensive depth remains one of their strengths, with Hanifin and Andersson leading the way. Markstrom will get the start as Calgary looks to rebound from recent struggles in net.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Connor Bedard’s Impact: The Blackhawks’ rookie continues to impress with elite vision and a lethal shot.

• Goaltending Matchup: Both Mrazek and Markstrom will look to find stability after uneven performances.

• Special Teams Battle: Chicago’s improving power play faces off against Calgary’s strong penalty kill unit.

Injury Report

• Blackhawks: Taylor Hall (knee, IR), Andreas Athanasiou (lower body, day-to-day)

• Flames: Jakob Pelletier (shoulder, IR), Dennis Gilbert (upper body, day-to-day)

Prediction

The Flames’ home-ice advantage and deeper defensive core could make the difference in this contest. Expect a tight game with plenty of young talent on display.

Prediction: Flames 4, Blackhawks 2