Chicago Blackhawks vs Tampa Bay Lightning- What to Expect

The Chicago Blackhawks travel to Tampa Bay Lightning tonight for a 7:00 matchup on ESPN+. The Blackhawks enter the game with a disappointing 24-34-10 record. The Lightning are preparing for another Cup run boasting a fantastic 42-18-6 record. Entering the game, however, Tampa has lost six of their last 11 games. The Blackhawks are faring even worse only winning three of their last ten games. The Lightning are expected to win at home and right the ship on their way to the playoffs.

Most frustrating for the Blackhawks is their inability to stop goals recently. The Hawks have given up 15 goals in their last three games. And even worse, they gave up huge leads in two of the last three. HawksInsider's own Stephanie Din discusses it here:

https://www.hawksinsider.com/Note-to-Hawks-Hockey-Games-Are-60-Minutes-Long-111290

Clearly, these are two teams on different trajectories. The true story here is the recent trade that sent Brandon Hagel to the Lightning and Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk to the Blackhawks. Blackhawks' fans were upset to see Hagel leave as he was a fan favorite for his hardwork and emerging scoring touch. In six games for the Lightning, Hagel has only scored one goal with no assists. He has yet to find his groove with his new team. Hopefully, the Hawks can keep him off the board for one more game.


Taylor Raddysh has been a nice surprise for the Blackhawks. He has reunited with former Erie Otters' teammates Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome. In seven games for the Blackhawks, Raddysh has five points. He could easily have had more if he weren't a victim of some amazing goal tending. Katchouk has no points thus far, but is a prospect worth a look for the Hawks. The trade for Hagel was more about draft picks and Raddysh; Katchouk was a bonus. To this point, GM Kyle Davidson for the win.

The last time the Blackhawks and Lightning played, Tampa won 6-3. This game will probably look similar. The Blackhawks simply don't have the firepower to compete, the defense to keep Tampa off the goalie, or a goalie good enough to carry this team. Prediction: Tampa 5 Chicago 2.