The NHL season is finally here, and so are the first tests for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Every beginning of the month, we’ll dive deep into the Hawks’ upcoming schedule — analyzing matchups, travel, and fatigue factors to see what kind of month the team might face.
Let’s start with October 2025.
Schedule Overview
• Total Games: 11
• Home: 6
• Away: 5
• Back-to-Back Games: 0
• 3 Games in 4 Nights: 0
• Weeks with 3 Games: 3
• Weeks with 2 Games: 1
The first month of the season is balanced — no extreme back-to-backs, no brutal four-game weeks. But the opponents and travel miles make it far from easy.
Opponents by Division
• Atlantic Division: 5 games
• Pacific Division: 3 games
• Central Division: 3 games
• Metropolitan Division: 0 games
Last Season’s Record vs Each Division
| Division | Record | Win % |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | 6-8-2 | .429 |
| Pacific | 8-15-1 | .354 |
| Central | 6-14-6 | .300 |
Chicago’s biggest challenge last season came against its own division (Central). Facing five playoff-caliber Atlantic teams early will be another tough test.
Travel and Mileage Breakdown
Here’s the estimated travel route for the month:
1. Chicago → Sunrise, FL (Panthers) → ~1,170 miles
2. Florida → Boston (Bruins) → ~1,250 miles
3. Boston → Chicago → ~850 miles
4. Chicago → St. Louis → ~260 miles
5. St. Louis → Chicago → ~260 miles
6. Chicago → Tampa Bay → ~1,150 miles
7. Tampa → Chicago → ~1,150 miles
8. Chicago → Winnipeg → ~710 miles
9. (Stay in Winnipeg)
Total Estimated Travel Distance: 🛫 6,800 miles (10,900 km)
Time Zone Changes
• Central Time (Chicago) → Eastern Time (Florida, Boston, Tampa) = +1 hour
• Back to Central (Home Games, St. Louis, Winnipeg) = -1 hour
Total Time Zone Changes: 6 (3 eastward, 3 westward)
Not brutal, but enough to create minor rhythm disruptions — especially with multiple short eastern trips rather than one long road swing.
Strength of Schedule
Out of 11 games:
• 7 opponents were playoff teams last season.
• The Hawks face no back-to-backs, but the quality of competition will test their defensive depth early.
Add in a few long travel days, and this month sits around 6/10 on the difficulty scale — not killer, but definitely not easy for a young team still developing chemistry.
Key Storylines to Watch
• Bedard’s Third Year: Is this the breakout season? Can he reach 30 goals and 75+ points and start taking over games consistently?
• Team Chemistry: Focus on the young defensive core — Rinzel, and Levshunov — and how they adapt to NHL pace and pressure early in the season.
My Projection for October
• Predicted Record: 3-6-2
• Points: 8
• Point %: .364
• Projected Total After October: 9 points (22 overall pace)
Chicago will likely struggle against heavy teams like Florida and Tampa early but could earn valuable points at home versus Pacific opponents.
Expect flashes of brilliance from Bedard and Nazar, while the defense continues to find its identity.
Final Thoughts
From a coaching standpoint, this month isn’t about wins and losses — it’s about building habits and playing full 60-minute games.
The team must:
• Improve its 5-on-5 puck possession
• Stay engaged in the third period
• Show progress in goal differential and faceoffs
If those details improve, the record will follow.
The journey starts now. October is about setting the tone.
Stay tuned for our November breakdown next month on HHS
