The Chicago Blackhawks head to Little Caesars Arena on September 24, 2025, to take on the Detroit Red Wings in what promises to be a compelling preseason clash between two Original Six rivals. While the stakes aren’t high just yet, the game offers a glimpse into how both franchises are shaping up ahead of the regular season.
For Blackhawks fans, this matchup is more than just a tune-up—it’s a chance to see how the team’s young core is developing and whether offseason changes might finally start turning the tide.
Chicago Blackhawks: Building Toward a New Identity
Let’s be honest—last season wasn’t pretty. The Blackhawks finished with a 25–46–11 record, ranking near the bottom of the Central Division. Their 3.56 goals-against average and .886 save percentage were among the worst in the league. But this year feels different. Not “Cup contender” different, but “we might actually be fun to watch” different.
Connor Bedard Leads the Charge
All eyes are on Connor Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick who showed flashes of brilliance last season despite the team’s struggles. Bedard’s vision, puck control, and shot release are elite, and he’s expected to take a big step forward in his sophomore campaign. If he can stay healthy and get consistent support, he could be the centerpiece of a revitalized offense.
Supporting Cast Needs to Step Up
Veterans like Taylor Raddysh and Philipp Kurashev will need to provide stability, while newcomers such as Frank Nazar and Kevin Korchinski could inject fresh energy. The defense remains a question mark, but if the goaltending tandem—likely Petr Mrazek and Arvid Söderblom—can improve even marginally, Chicago might surprise a few teams.
Detroit Red Wings: Trending Upward
The Red Wings finished last season with a respectable 39–35–8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. Their 3.16 goals-against average and .890 save percentage weren’t elite, but they were solid enough to keep Detroit competitive most nights.
Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond Drive the Offense
Detroit’s top line, anchored by Dylan Larkin, remains dangerous. Larkin’s speed and two-way play make him a matchup nightmare, and Lucas Raymond adds finesse and scoring touch. The Red Wings also added depth in the offseason, bolstering their bottom six and blue line.
Goaltending Could Be the X-Factor
With Ville Husso likely to start, Detroit has a reliable netminder who can steal games when needed. If the defense tightens up and the offense continues to grow, the Red Wings could be a playoff team this year.
Head-to-Head History: Red Wings Have the Edge
Recent matchups haven’t gone Chicago’s way. The Blackhawks have lost their last six meetings against Detroit, including a 4–3 defeat earlier this week. Historically, these games are physical, fast-paced, and unpredictable—but lately, the Red Wings have had our number.
Still, preseason is a different beast. Coaches experiment with line combinations, prospects get ice time, and veterans ease into game shape. That unpredictability could work in Chicago’s favor.
What to Watch For
- Bedard vs. Raymond: Two young stars with elite skill sets—who controls the tempo?
- Special Teams: Chicago’s power play was abysmal last season. Any signs of improvement?
- Goaltending Battle: Can Mrazek or Söderblom hold off Detroit’s top scorers?
Prediction: Red Wings 4, Blackhawks 2
As much as I’d love to predict a Blackhawks win, the Red Wings are simply further along in their rebuild. Their roster is deeper, their systems more refined, and they’ve had our number lately. That said, I expect Bedard to make an impact and keep things interesting.
This game should be competitive, but Detroit’s experience and home-ice advantage will likely tip the scales. For Chicago, it’s less about the scoreboard and more about progress—and there’s reason to believe we’ll see some.
Go Blackhawks!!