Lightning Host Blackhawks in Homestand Opener
The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to host the Chicago Blackhawks as they kick off their homestand on Thursday, October 23. The matchup will take place at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, starting at 6:45 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+/Hulu, with local radio coverage available on 102.5 MHz-FM.
Matchup Overview
This game marks the first meeting of the season between the Lightning and the Blackhawks. Chicago enters this matchup with a record of 3 wins, 2 losses, and 2 overtime losses. Tampa Bay holds a favorable all-time record against Chicago at 36 wins, 17 losses, and 9 overtime losses. Notably, they are 19-7-4 when playing at home against the Blackhawks.
Key Players
Victor Hedman stands out as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer against Chicago. He has tallied 35 points (7 goals, 28 assists) in 32 games against them. Other notable contributors include:
- Steven Stamkos: 34 points (17 goals, 17 assists) in 29 games
- Brayden Point: 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 23 games
In their previous encounters last season, the Lightning managed a split against the Blackhawks, losing the scoring battle 7-5 overall. Nikita Kucherov led Tampa Bay with 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) across two games.
Goalie Matchup
Andrei Vasilevskiy has impressive stats against the Blackhawks, boasting a perfect 13-0-0 record, coupled with a .930 save percentage and one shutout. In contrast, Jonas Johansson played in both games last season against Chicago, finishing with a record of 1 win and 1 loss, with an .824 save percentage and a goals against average of 3.08.
Upcoming Games
After facing the Blackhawks, the Lightning will continue their homestand with additional matchups:
- October 25 vs. Anaheim Ducks
- October 26 vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- October 28 at Nashville Predators
This homestand opener is a crucial opportunity for the Lightning to leverage their strong home performance against a historic rival. Fans can expect an exciting game as both teams compete for vital points early in the season.
