The Chicago Blackhawks are back under the lights at the United Center on October 26, facing off against the Los Angeles Kings in a matchup that promises grit, speed, and a whole lot of edge. For Hawks fans, this isn’t just another regular-season game — it’s a chance to measure our young core against one of the Western Conference’s most balanced squads.
🔥 Blackhawks Building Toward the Future
Let’s call it what it is: this season is about growth. The Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuild, but that doesn’t mean we’re rolling over. With Connor Bedard already showing flashes of brilliance and veterans like Seth Jones and Petr Mrazek anchoring the back end, Chicago is slowly carving out an identity — fast, fearless, and hungry.
The Hawks have had their ups and downs early in the season, but the energy is different this year. Bedard’s vision and shot are already drawing comparisons to elite-level talent, and the chemistry with Taylor Raddysh and Philipp Kurashev is starting to click. The power play still needs work, but the puck movement is improving, and the team is generating more high-danger chances than last season.
👑 Kings Come in Loaded
The Los Angeles Kings aren’t just playoff hopefuls — they’re built to contend. With a deep forward group led by Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, and Adrian Kempe, and a blue line featuring Drew Doughty, LA brings experience and structure. Their goaltending tandem has been solid, and they’ve shown they can win tight games and blowouts alike.
Chicago will need to be sharp defensively. The Kings love to cycle the puck and wear teams down. If the Hawks get caught chasing, it could be a long night.
📊 Key Matchup Factors
Chicago Blackhawks Keys to Success:
- Neutral zone discipline: LA thrives on transition. Limiting turnovers between the blue lines is critical.
- Bedard’s creativity: If he gets space, he can change the game in a single shift.
- Goaltending stability: Mrazek or Soderblom will need to be sharp early to keep momentum from swinging.
Los Angeles Kings Strengths:
- Veteran poise: They don’t panic, even when trailing.
- Depth scoring: Their third and fourth lines can produce, which puts pressure on Chicago’s bottom six.
- Special teams: LA’s penalty kill is aggressive and their power play is lethal if given time.
🔍 Players to Watch
- Connor Bedard (CHI): Every game is a new chapter in his rookie campaign. His release is elite, and he’s already drawing top-pair matchups.
- Seth Jones (CHI): He’ll be tasked with shutting down LA’s top line and quarterbacking the power play.
- Adrian Kempe (LA): Fast, physical, and dangerous in transition — he’s a matchup nightmare.
- Drew Doughty (LA): Still one of the smartest defensemen in the league, and he’ll be key in containing Bedard.
🔮 Prediction: Blackhawks 3 – 2 Kings (OT)
Call it optimism, call it gut instinct — but this feels like a game where the Blackhawks punch above their weight. Expect a tight, physical contest with chances at both ends. Bedard nets one early, and the Hawks grind out a late equalizer before sealing it in overtime with a clutch goal from Raddysh.
It’s the kind of win that builds belief — not just in the locker room, but across the fanbase. The rebuild is real, but nights like this remind us why we’re sticking with it.
📍 Game Details
- Date: October 26, 2025
- Location: United Center, Chicago
- Puck Drop: TBD
- Broadcast: ESPN+, NBC Sports Chicago
🏒 Final Thoughts
This Blackhawks vs. Kings matchup is more than just a test — it’s a statement opportunity. Chicago’s young guns are starting to find their rhythm, and facing a veteran squad like LA is the perfect litmus test. Win or lose, the Hawks need to show fight, structure, and flashes of the future.
For fans packing the United Center, expect a high-energy night. For those watching from home, keep your eyes on Bedard — this kid’s writing his own story, and October 26 might just be another highlight.
Let´s go Blackhawks!!!