Game Time: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST
Location: United Center, Chicago
TV: CHSN, SCRIPPS
Moneyline: Golden Knights -262, Blackhawks +212
Total: 6 goals
The Vegas Golden Knights are coming to town on a four-game losing streak, and for once this season, I’m allowing myself to feel a tiny bit optimistic.
We’re 16-18-7. Vegas is 17-11-11. On paper, they’re the better team. But they’re reeling right now—four straight losses, looking shaky defensively, and coming into the United Center where we’re actually somewhat competent (8-8-4 at home).
This is the kind of game we need to steal. Vegas is vulnerable. Connor Bedard is playing like the generational talent we tanked for. If there’s ever a time to get a statement win, it’s tonight.
But also, this is the Blackhawks, so I’m prepared to be disappointed.
Current Records: Both Teams Struggling, One More Than The Other
Golden Knights: 17-11-11 (9-5-5 on the road)
Blackhawks: 16-18-7 (8-8-4 at home)
Let’s be honest about where both teams are. Vegas is having a mediocre season by their standards. They’ve got 11 overtime losses already, which means they’re competitive but can’t close out games. They’re not the dominant force they’ve been in recent years.
We’re bad. Not “worst team in the league” bad anymore, but definitely “rebuilding and it shows” bad. We’re six games under .500, our goal differential is -16, and we give up way too many goals (3.18 per game).
But here’s the thing—Vegas is on a FOUR-GAME LOSING STREAK. They’re bleeding points, they’re frustrated, and they’re coming into our building. That’s our opening.
Why Vegas Is Favored (Unfortunately)
1. They’re Still Better Than Us
Even during their losing streak, Vegas has more talent, more depth, and more experience. Jack Eichel is a legitimate star center who can take over games. Pavel Dorofeyev has been scoring. They’ve got weapons.
We’ve got Connor Bedard and… hope?
2. Their Road Record Is Solid
Vegas is 9-5-5 on the road. That’s not dominant, but it’s way better than our 8-8-4 home record. They know how to win away from T-Mobile Arena.
3. Akira Schmid Has Been Good in Net
Schmid has a 2.40 GAA and .900 save percentage. Those aren’t elite numbers, but they’re solid. Against our offense that scores 2.76 goals per game, he doesn’t need to be elite.
4. Better Special Teams
Vegas’s penalty kill is 81.2%. Our power play is only 19.4%, which means even when we get opportunities with the man advantage, we’re not capitalizing consistently.
They’re better in almost every category, and the betting line reflects that.
Why the Blackhawks Can Actually Win This
1. Vegas Is Mentally Broken Right Now
Four straight losses. That’s not just bad luck—that’s a team that’s lost confidence and doesn’t know how to get it back.
When teams are in that kind of spiral, they’re beatable. They make mistakes they normally wouldn’t make. They press too hard. They get frustrated when things don’t go their way early.
If we can score first and get the United Center crowd into it, Vegas might unravel.
2. Connor Bedard Is a Cheat Code
Connor Bedard is the best thing to happen to this franchise in decades. The kid is 18 years old and already our best player by a mile.
When Bedard is on the ice, anything can happen. He creates chances out of nothing, he makes passes that shouldn’t exist, and he’s got the hockey IQ of a 10-year veteran.
Against a Vegas team that’s struggling defensively right now, Bedard could have a monster game. If he gets hot, we can absolutely win.
3. We’re Actually Decent at Home
8-8-4 at the United Center isn’t great, but it’s not terrible. We play better at home, the crowd gives us energy, and we’re harder to beat in our building.
Vegas might have a winning road record overall, but they’re not unbeatable away from home. And with their current mental state, playing at the United Center could be tougher than usual.
4. Spencer Knight Can Steal a Game
Spencer Knight has been solid for us—2.62 GAA and .910 save percentage. Those are respectable numbers for a goalie on a bad team.
If Knight can make 30+ saves and keep us in the game, Bedard and the offense just need to score 3-4 goals. That’s doable against a Vegas defense that’s been leaking goals during their losing streak.
5. Desperation Energy
We’re 16-18-7 and trying to stay relevant in the rebuild. Every win matters for our development, our confidence, and our future.
Vegas is frustrated and pressing. We’re desperate and loose. Sometimes desperation beats frustration.
The Key Matchup: Connor Bedard vs Jack Eichel
This is the headline matchup. Two elite centers with completely different career trajectories.
Jack Eichel is the established star—former #2 overall pick, proven scorer, guy who’s been to the playoffs and knows how to win big games. He’s Vegas’s offensive engine.
Connor Bedard is the future—current #1 overall pick, generational talent, kid who’s already exceeded expectations as an 18-year-old rookie. He’s our entire offense.
Whoever wins this individual matchup probably tilts the game in their team’s favor.
If Bedard outplays Eichel, even just slightly, it sends a message: the kid is for real, and the future of the Blackhawks is bright.
Edge: Eichel has experience, Bedard has magic. Call it even and enjoy the show.
The Goaltending Battle: Knight vs Schmid
Spencer Knight (2.62 GAA, .910 SV%) vs Akira Schmid (2.40 GAA, .900 SV%)
Neither goalie is elite, but both are solid. Schmid has slightly better numbers, but Knight has been our most consistent player this season.
This game will probably come down to which goalie makes the key save at the key moment. One bad bounce, one soft goal, and the game flips.
I trust Knight to keep us in it. Whether our offense can actually score enough to win? That’s the bigger question.
Edge: Schmid by the numbers, Knight by desperation.
Special Teams: Where Vegas Should Win (But Might Not)
Vegas Power Play: Unknown (but probably better than ours)
Vegas Penalty Kill: 81.2%
Blackhawks Power Play: 19.4%
Blackhawks Penalty Kill: Unknown (but probably bad)
Special teams have killed us all season. Our power play is anemic, and our penalty kill is a disaster.
Vegas should dominate special teams. They’re more disciplined, they execute better, and they have more talent.
But—and this is key—Vegas has committed more penalties during their losing streak. If they take stupid penalties out of frustration, and we can FINALLY capitalize on the power play, we’ve got a shot.
One or two power play goals could be the difference in a tight game.
My Prediction: We Lose Close, But It’s Competitive
I want to believe we can win. Vegas is on a four-game skid. We’re at home. Bedard is playing incredible hockey.
But we’re also 16-18-7 with a -16 goal differential. Vegas, even during a slump, is still a better team.
Final Score: Golden Knights 3, Blackhawks 2
We keep it close. Bedard scores a highlight-reel goal. Spencer Knight makes 30+ saves. The United Center is loud.
But in the end, Vegas’s depth and experience win out. They score a late goal, we can’t answer, and they snap their losing streak at our expense.
If I’m wrong and we actually win? I’ll be thrilled. But I’m managing expectations because this team has broken my heart too many times this season.
Betting Picks (For the Brave)
Best Value: Blackhawks Moneyline +212
If you believe in catching Vegas during their slump, the +212 price is tempting. A small bet on the upset isn’t crazy.
Safest Bet: Under 6 Goals
Both teams have been trending under lately. Knight and Schmid are both solid. This feels like a 2-1 or 3-2 game.
Fun Prop: Connor Bedard Anytime Goal
Bedard scores goals. Vegas’s defense is struggling. The odds are probably decent. Sprinkle a little on it.
Avoid: Golden Knights -1.5
Laying 1.5 goals with a team on a four-game losing streak feels dangerous. If you like Vegas, take the moneyline.
Keys to Victory
For the Blackhawks to win:
- Score first and get the crowd into it
- Bedard with 2+ points (goal and assist)
- Spencer Knight with 30+ saves
- Capitalize on at least one power play
- No stupid penalties in the defensive zone
What kills us:
- Jack Eichel takes over
- Our power play goes 0-for-4
- Vegas scores early and we’re chasing all night
- Spencer Knight has an off night
- We take bad penalties and their power play cashes in
The Honest Blackhawks Fan Take
Vegas is better than us. They’re more talented, more experienced, and even during a losing streak, they’re still a playoff team.
But they’re vulnerable right now. Four straight losses means they’re frustrated, pressing, and making mistakes they normally wouldn’t.
If we’re ever going to steal a game from a team like Vegas, it’s tonight. At home. With Bedard playing great. With their confidence shaken.
Will we actually win? Probably not. But I’m not writing us off completely.
Blackhawks 2, Golden Knights 3 is my head pick.
Blackhawks 3, Golden Knights 2 is my heart pick.
Go Hawks. Please give us something to cheer about.
Game Info Summary
- When: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST
- Where: United Center, Chicago
- TV: CHSN, SCRIPPS
- Records: Blackhawks 16-18-7, Golden Knights 17-11-11
- Moneyline: Hawks +212, Knights -262
- Total: 6 goals
Vegas Storyline: Four-game losing streak, need to stop the bleeding
Blackhawks Storyline: Connor Bedard showcase, chance to steal a game from a better team
Key Stat: Vegas has 11 overtime losses—they’re competitive but can’t close
Final Thought: If Bedard has one of those magical games where everything he touches turns to gold, we can win. But more likely, we lose close and wonder “what if.”
Let’s shock the hockey world tonight. Go Hawks.