The Chicago Blackhawks are set to host the Montreal Canadiens on October 11 in what promises to be a gritty, high-energy clash between two storied NHL franchises. With the puck dropping at 7 p.m. at the United Center, fans are eager to see how this young Blackhawks squad stacks up against a Canadiens team that’s looking to build on last season’s momentum.
A Fresh Start for the Blackhawks
Let’s be honest — last season was tough. The Blackhawks finished with a 25-46-11 record and a -68 goal differential, struggling to find consistency on both ends of the ice. But this year feels different. There’s a renewed energy in the locker room, and the front office has made some smart moves to inject youth and speed into the lineup.
Connor Bedard, the highly touted rookie phenom, is finally here — and he’s already showing flashes of brilliance. His vision, puck control, and ability to create scoring chances out of thin air have fans buzzing. Pair him with veterans like Seth Jones and Tyler Johnson, and suddenly the Hawks have a core that can compete.
Canadiens Come In Confident
Montreal enters this matchup with a 1-1 record and a roster that’s deeper than it looks on paper. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki continue to be the heartbeat of the Canadiens’ offense, while Jake Allen provides stability between the pipes. Last season, Montreal posted a respectable 40-31-11 record and averaged 3.0 goals per game — not elite, but enough to keep them in the playoff conversation.
They’re favored in this matchup, and it’s easy to see why. The Canadiens have more experience, better chemistry, and a proven scoring touch. But don’t count out the Blackhawks just yet.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Connor Bedard vs. Nick Suzuki: Two young centers with very different styles. Bedard is a dynamic playmaker, while Suzuki is a two-way workhorse. Whoever controls the faceoff circle and neutral zone will tilt the ice in their team’s favor.
- Seth Jones vs. Cole Caufield: Jones will have his hands full trying to contain Caufield’s quick release and off-the-puck movement. If Jones can keep him to the outside and limit high-danger chances, the Hawks have a shot.
- Goaltending Battle: Petr Mrazek is expected to start for Chicago, and he’ll need to be sharp. Allen has the edge in consistency, but Mrazek’s athleticism can steal games when he’s locked in.
Home Ice Advantage
The United Center crowd is always electric, and with Bedard making his home debut, expect the building to be rocking. Chicago went 15-20-6 at home last season — not great, but the energy this year feels different. If the Hawks can feed off the crowd and strike early, they’ll put pressure on Montreal to play catch-up.
Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Canadiens 3 (OT)
Call it optimism, call it bias — but I believe the Blackhawks pull this one off in dramatic fashion. Bedard nets his first home goal, Jones anchors the blue line with a clutch performance, and Mrazek makes a game-saving stop in overtime. It’s not going to be easy, but this team is hungry, and they’re ready to prove the doubters wrong.
Final Thoughts
This October 11 matchup is more than just another regular season game — it’s a litmus test for where the Blackhawks stand in their rebuild. A win against a solid Canadiens squad would send a message to the league: Chicago is on the rise.
So grab your jersey, fire up the goal horn, and get ready for a night of fast-paced, hard-hitting hockey. The Blackhawks are back — and they’re ready to make some noise.
Let´s go Blackhawks!