A Historic Night in Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks will celebrate a special moment tonight as they host the Montreal Canadiens for their Centennial Home Opener at the United Center.
This marks 100 years of Blackhawks hockey — a century of tradition, championships, and legends that built one of the NHL’s most iconic franchises.
The United Center will be buzzing with energy, special ceremonies, and tributes to the team’s storied past.
It’s the first time in franchise history that Chicago opens its home season against Montreal — a fitting matchup between two of the NHL’s most historic clubs.
Faceoffs Remain a Concern for Blackhawks
Faceoffs likely will be a struggle for the Blackhawks again this season. The Hawks hope new assistant coach Michael Peca’s expertise helps, and rookie center Ryan Greene has shown promise at the dot.
But Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, their top two centers, still have a long way to go.
The Blackhawks haven’t enjoyed much puck possession in the last couple of seasons for many reasons, but faceoffs remain one of the biggest.
Chicago finished 31st in the NHL with a 44.8% faceoff percentage last season and 30th the year before at 46.3%.
They’ve started this season in a similar position, winning only 56 of 135 draws (41.5%) in their first two games.
It’s common for young players to struggle with faceoffs — the NHL learning curve is steep there — but Bedard and Nazar have had a tougher start than most.
Bedard won 38.9% of his draws as a rookie and just 18.2% this week (four of 22), while Nazar is at 40% (12 of 30).
“Do Connor and Frankie and our crew need to get better on faceoffs? One hundred percent,” coach Jeff Blashill said Thursday.
There was optimism entering the season because Bedard won 47.1% of his draws after January 27 last year and even increased his stick flex this summer for better response.
Peca and skills coach Yanick Perreault are working closely with the centers to improve angles, timing, and positioning.
One bright spot has been Ryan Greene, who has already shown poise in a larger-than-expected role. He won 52.7% of his draws during the preseason and continues to earn trust from Blashill and his teammates.
Vlasic’s Steady Impact
One element that should help the Blackhawks is Alex Vlasic in the lineup. He puts other defensemen in the right chair.
Vlasic brings size, physicality, and consistency — and he’s the only Blackhawks draft pick between 2013 and 2019 still in the organization.
On and off the ice, Vlasic has grown into a leader.
“There’s going to be a transition point soon between the leadership group we have now and the young guys coming up,” Vlasic said. “I just want to make sure I’m soaking up all the information I can and learning what to do.”
Vlasic is expected to play on the top pairing this season alongside Sam Rinzel. Rinzel’s offensive instincts and skating blend well with Vlasic’s defensive reliability.
Last season, Vlasic learned the importance of managing his energy and recovery — an adjustment that’s already paying off.
Veteran defenseman Connor Murphy praised Vlasic’s growth:
“It’s fun seeing guys grow and become such good players. When they drafted him in 2019, I’m sure they didn’t see him as an Olympic-level defenseman — but here he is.”
Prospects and IceHogs Update
The Blackhawks announced that defenseman Ethan Del Mastro has been assigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
A few Blackhawks prospects made an impact last night:
- Parker Holmes: 1 goal, 1 assist (2 points)
- Nathan Behm: 1 goal (his 5th of the season)
- John Mustard: 1 goal (his first of the season)
- Sacha Boisvert: Did not play due to injury
- Vaclav Nestrasil: 3 goals and 7 shots on goal.
- Adam Gajan: Stopped 15 of 16 shots (.938 SV%).
Meanwhile, the Rockford IceHogs open their season tonight against the Milwaukee Admirals at 7:00 PM. Several young players will be under the spotlight, aiming to make an impression early in the AHL campaign.
Blackhawks Centennial News
The Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Blackhawks Foundation announced a $3 million, 10-year commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC).
This partnership supports youth sports programs as part of the team’s Centennial celebration and will help grow the game across Chicago neighborhoods.
Game Preview: Chicago vs Montreal
The Blackhawks host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night at the United Center — their Centennial Home Opener and the first time in franchise history they’ve faced Montreal in a home-opening game.
The Hawks are 16-5-3 in their last 24 games against Montreal and have earned points in 10 of their last 13 meetings at the United Center (9-3-1).
Teuvo Teravainen has 11 points (3G, 8A) in his last 10 games vs Montreal and four straight games with assists. Connor Bedard has registered four assists in four career games against the Canadiens.
We’re still waiting to see how Jeff Blashill will shape his lineup — last game, he used 11 forwards and 7 defensemen.The coaching staff is focused on building structure and confidence in this young roster.
Three Keys to the Game
1️⃣ Special Teams Must Produce
The Blackhawks are still looking for their first power-play goal of the season. Montreal has two dangerous PP units, so staying disciplined and capitalizing on man-advantages will be crucial.
2️⃣ Control Montreal’s Transition Speed
The Canadiens’ defensemen can move the puck fast and drive rush chances. Chicago’s blue line must maintain tight gap control and make quick retrieval decisions in the defensive zone.
The Habs have several speedsters — “Le Tricolore” thrives on transition play.
3️⃣ Win the Puck Possession Battle
At 5-on-5, puck control remains Chicago’s weakness. Limiting Montreal to under 30 shots on goal and sustaining pressure in the offensive zone will give the Hawks a better chance to dictate the pace.
Final Thoughts: Blackhawks Process
The Blackhawks have had Montreal’s number in recent years, but they’ll need a complete 60-minute effort to earn their first win of the season.
“It’s about patience, structure, and believing in the process,” Coach Frenchy would say — and that starts tonight at the United Center.
Statistical data and analytics provided by CapWages, Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, and Natural Stat Trick.
