The Chicago Blackhawks (11-9-5) travel to face the Vegas Golden Knights (11-6-8) Monday night at T-Mobile Arena, with puck drop set for 10:00 p.m. ET. We’re coming off a solid 5-3 win over Anaheim where Connor Bedard scored twice, while Vegas has been inconsistent despite their winning record.
Game Information
Date: Monday, December 2, 2025
Puck Drop: 10:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. CT
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
TV Coverage: ESPN+
Streaming: NHL.tv
Betting Lines and Odds
Moneyline: Blackhawks +235, Golden Knights -290
Over/Under: 6.5 goals
Blackhawks Riding Bedard’s Hot Streak
We’re 11-9-5 and playing better hockey lately thanks to Connor Bedard finding his groove. That 5-3 win over Anaheim showcased exactly what we hoped for when drafting him first overall – two goals and complete offensive dominance.
Connor Bedard Is Special
Our rookie phenom is starting to look like the generational talent everyone projected. His two-goal performance against Anaheim reminded everyone why we tanked for him. The vision, puck-handling, and finishing ability are all there.
Bedard’s power play presence creates constant threats, and his ability to tilt the ice in our favor keeps us competitive every night.
Road Warriors
Our 5-4-2 road record shows we can compete away from the United Center. We’re not afraid of hostile environments, and playing in Vegas won’t intimidate this young group.
Positive Goal Differential
We’ve scored 80 goals while allowing 72 this season for a +8 goal differential. That’s solid for a rebuilding team and suggests we’re actually competitive rather than just tanking.
Golden Knights Talented But Vulnerable
Vegas enters at 11-6-8 with a deceptive record. Eight overtime losses means they’re competitive but can’t close games. At home they’re just 6-4-4, showing T-Mobile Arena doesn’t provide the advantage it once did.
Jack Eichel Leads the Attack
Vegas’s offensive centerpiece remains dangerous with his speed, shot accuracy, and playmaking. He’ll be heavily involved in transition and special teams, creating matchup problems all night.
Depth Scoring Threats
Mitchell Marner leads the team with 20 assists, while Tomas Hertl has been hot lately with 5 goals and 3 assists in his last 10 games. Their chemistry and puck movement will test our defensive structure.
Close Game Struggles
Vegas is 1-2-1 in games where opponents commit fewer penalties, suggesting they struggle when they can’t capitalize on power plays. If we stay disciplined, we have real chance to compete.
Why We Can Win This Game
The +235 moneyline suggests we’re massive underdogs, but this matchup isn’t as lopsided as the odds indicate. Vegas has vulnerabilities, and we have Bedard playing at an elite level.
Speed and Youth Advantage
Our transition game is fast, and we capitalize on turnovers with quick counterattacks. Bedard’s line has been especially effective exploiting defensive gaps – exactly what Vegas occasionally gives up.
Vegas’s Overtime Issues
Eight overtime losses means Vegas plays close games but can’t finish. If we keep this tight into the third period, we have legitimate upset potential.
Bedard Factor
When your best player is playing at an elite level, anything’s possible. Bedard can single-handedly change games with his offensive brilliance.
What Vegas Does Well
Let’s not kid ourselves – the Golden Knights are talented and have home ice advantage.
Depth Throughout Lineup
Vegas rolls four lines effectively and maintains pressure without sacrificing defensive integrity. They can wear down our top lines with physical play and sustained puck possession.
Defensive Structure
Their structured defensive system forces opponents to the perimeter and limits high-danger chances. We’ll need to create traffic in front and capitalize on rebounds.
Home Ice at T-Mobile
The Vegas crowd creates genuine energy, and the Golden Knights feed off that atmosphere. Late games in Vegas are always tough for visiting teams.
Blackhawks Fan Perspective
This is a measuring stick game. We’re rebuilding around Bedard, and Vegas represents the type of established contender we aspire to become. Winning in Vegas would make a huge statement about how far we’ve come.
The +235 moneyline feels disrespectful given our recent form and Bedard’s emergence. Yes, Vegas is good. Yes, they’re at home. But we’re 5-4-2 on the road and playing with confidence.
Bedard just scored twice against Anaheim. He’s heating up at exactly the right time, and when your generational talent is playing his best hockey, upset potential exists.
This is the type of game where youth and speed can overcome experience and depth. If Bedard continues his scoring streak and we stay disciplined, we can absolutely steal this game.
Keys to Victory
For us to pull the upset in Vegas, we need:
- Bedard continues dominance – Ride our superstar
- Stay out of penalty box – Vegas is 1-2-1 when opponents stay disciplined
- Fast transition game – Exploit their defensive gaps with speed
- Goaltending holds up – Need solid performance in net
Game Prediction
Final Score: Golden Knights 4, Blackhawks 3 (OT)
Vegas wins a tight one in overtime, but we prove we belong and keep it competitive throughout. Bedard scores for us, Eichel answers for them, and the game comes down to execution in the extra frame.
We cover the spread easily and show that our rebuild is ahead of schedule. The final score doesn’t tell the whole story – we competed hard against a playoff team on their home ice.
What We’re Watching:
- Bedard’s continued offensive dominance
- Whether our young players can handle Vegas atmosphere
- If our speed creates enough transition opportunities
- How our goaltending performs against their firepower
For Blackhawks fans, this represents progress measurement. Compete with Vegas on the road, keep Bedard’s hot streak going, and show we’re building something special.
Let’s Go Hawks!