Blackhawks vs Lightning Preview: Bedard's Development Meets Lightning's Return of Kucherov

The Chicago Blackhawks head to Tampa Bay looking to build on their solid 3-2-2 start as they face a struggling Lightning squad desperately seeking consistency. With both teams dealing with key lineup adjustments and injury concerns, this matchup at Benchmark International Arena promises intriguing storylines on both sides. The Blackhawks will deploy an unusual 11-forward, seven-defenseman configuration, while Tampa Bay welcomes back star winger Nikita Kucherov from illness just in time for this crucial home stand.

This contest marks another chapter in the rebuilding Blackhawks’ unexpectedly competitive early season, while the Lightning’s surprising 1-3-2 start has raised questions about the defending contenders’ ability to recapture their championship form. Connor Bedard’s continued development and the Lightning’s offensive firepower with Kucherov’s return set the stage for an entertaining clash between two teams heading in opposite directions.

Blackhawks vs Lightning projected lineup October 23 2025: Chicago’s forward lines

The Blackhawks’ projected lineup features Connor Bedard centering the top line between Lukas Reichel and Tyler Bertuzzi. This combination aims to maximize Bedard’s playmaking abilities while surrounding him with complementary skill sets. Reichel brings speed and finishing ability on the left side, while Bertuzzi provides a veteran presence and net-front prowess on the right wing. The chemistry between these three has shown flashes of brilliance through Chicago’s first seven games.

The second line showcases veteran Teuvo Teravainen flanked by rookie sensation Frank Nazar and speedy winger Ilya Mikheyev. Nazar has impressed early in his NHL career, demonstrating poise beyond his years and contributing offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility. Teravainen’s experience and hockey IQ make him an ideal mentor for the young center, while Mikheyev’s speed creates separation and generates scoring chances off the rush.

Chicago’s third line features Ryan Greene, Colton Dach, and captain Nick Foligno in a checking and energy role. Foligno’s leadership and physical presence anchor this unit, which focuses on shutting down opponents’ top lines while chipping in occasional offense. This balanced approach has helped the Blackhawks stay competitive against superior opponents throughout the early season.

The fourth line consists of just two forwards—Landon Slaggert and Ryan Donato—as Chicago opts for the 11-forward, seven-defenseman configuration. This tactical decision reflects head coach Jeff Blashill’s emphasis on defensive depth and flexibility. Slaggert and Donato bring speed and tenacity when deployed in short shifts, maintaining pressure on opponents while the coaching staff rotates through the extra defenseman.

Andre Burakovsky’s absence due to paternity leave removes a scoring threat from the lineup, while Sam Lafferty and Jason Dickinson find themselves as healthy scratches. Joey Anderson remains sidelined with a lower-body injury, further limiting Chicago’s forward depth for this road contest.

Blackhawks vs Lightning projected lineup October 23 2025: Chicago’s defensive corps

The Blackhawks’ blue line features an impressive mix of youth and veteran savvy. Alex Vlasic and rookie Sam Rinzel comprise the top pairing, combining Vlasic’s shutdown abilities with Rinzel’s offensive instincts. Rinzel, a highly-touted prospect, has adjusted quickly to NHL pace and provides the puck-moving skills Chicago has lacked in recent seasons.

The second pairing pairs Wyatt Kaiser with fellow youngster Artyom Levshunov, creating an intriguing combination of mobility and size. Kaiser’s speed and positioning complement Levshunov’s physical presence and developing offensive game. This pairing has shown growing chemistry as both players gain NHL experience, though occasional defensive lapses remain part of their learning curve.

Veteran Matt Grzelcyk anchors the third pairing alongside Connor Murphy, bringing Stanley Cup experience and reliable two-way play. Murphy serves as a steadying presence and penalty-kill specialist, while Grzelcyk’s hockey sense and puck distribution help transition from defense to offense effectively. Their experience proves invaluable when protecting leads late in games.

Louis Crevier serves as the seventh defenseman in Chicago’s unusual lineup configuration. His inclusion provides additional size and physicality options, allowing Blashill to match lines and situations more flexibly. This tactical approach has worked well for Chicago in previous games, giving them strategic advantages in tight defensive situations.

The decision to dress seven defensemen reflects both Chicago’s current roster construction and their respect for Tampa Bay’s potent offensive attack. By loading up on defensive depth, the Blackhawks aim to limit odd-man rushes and provide fresh legs throughout three periods against the Lightning’s skilled forwards.

Blackhawks vs Lightning projected lineup October 23 2025: Tampa Bay’s forward combinations

The Lightning’s top line reunites Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, and Gage Goncalves in a potent offensive trio. Guentzel’s scoring touch and playoff pedigree combine with Point’s elite two-way abilities to create one of the league’s most dangerous combinations. Goncalves, earning increased ice time, brings youthful energy and finishing ability to complete this balanced unit.

Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, and the returning Nikita Kucherov form Tampa Bay’s second line and arguably their most impactful trio. Kucherov’s return from a two-game absence due to illness provides an immediate boost to Tampa Bay’s struggling offense. His elite playmaking and scoring ability have been sorely missed, and his chemistry with Cirelli and Hagel remains among the best in the NHL. According to NHL.com’s game preview, Kucherov is expected to slot directly back into his familiar role.

The third line features Oliver Bjorkstrand centering Yanni Gourde and Pontus Holmberg in a versatile unit capable of both defensive assignments and opportunistic offense. Bjorkstrand’s offensive consistency and Gourde’s relentless forechecking create problems for opposing defenses, while Holmberg provides depth scoring and defensive responsibility.

Tampa Bay’s fourth line combines Curtis Douglas, Dominic Smith, and Mitchell Chaffee in an energy role. This trio focuses on physical play, maintaining momentum through forechecking pressure, and wearing down opponents with heavy shifts in the offensive zone. Their contributions may not always appear on the scoresheet, but their impact on puck possession and opponent fatigue proves significant.

Jack Finley finds himself as a healthy scratch despite showing promise in earlier games. The Lightning’s depth at forward allows head coach Jon Cooper to rotate personnel based on matchups and recent performance, keeping competition fierce for roster spots.

Blackhawks vs Lightning projected lineup October 23 2025: Tampa Bay’s defensive pairings and injury updates

Victor Hedman and J.J. Moser lead Tampa Bay’s defensive corps on the top pairing. Hedman, a perennial Norris Trophy candidate, brings elite offensive instincts and shutdown defensive capabilities. His partnership with Moser, acquired in the offseason, continues developing chemistry as they learn each other’s tendencies. Hedman’s ability to quarterback the power play while logging heavy even-strength minutes makes him invaluable to Tampa Bay’s success.

The second pairing features Ryan McDonagh alongside Erik Cernak, combining McDonagh’s intelligence and positioning with Cernak’s physical, stay-at-home style. This proven partnership has anchored Tampa Bay’s defense through multiple playoff runs, providing reliable two-way play and penalty-killing excellence. Their experience in high-pressure situations stabilizes the Lightning’s defensive structure.

Emil Lilleberg and Darren Raddysh form the third pairing, offering contrasting styles that complement each other effectively. Lilleberg brings mobility and transitional speed, while Raddysh provides offensive instincts from the point and power-play quarterbacking ability. This pairing handles softer matchups while contributing to Tampa Bay’s offensive attack.

The Lightning face significant injury concerns on defense with Max Crozier expected to miss the next three games due to a lower-body injury. His absence impacts Tampa Bay’s defensive depth, though the return of healthy bodies elsewhere has mitigated this concern. Charle-Édouard D’Astous serves as a healthy scratch, providing insurance should any defenseman struggle or suffer injury during the game.

Up front, Zemgus Girgensons continues recovering from an upper-body injury but is practicing and could return by the weekend. Nick Paul remains out with an upper-body injury, removing another depth option from Tampa Bay’s forward group. These absences, while not catastrophic, limit Cooper’s ability to roll four effective lines and maintain consistent pressure on opponents. The Hockey Writers’ projected lineup breakdown provides detailed analysis of how these injuries have forced Tampa Bay to adjust its tactical approach.

Blackhawks vs Lightning projected lineup October 23 2025: Goaltending matchup and strategic considerations

Spencer Knight gets the projected start in goal for Chicago, bringing his athletic style and quick reflexes to the crease. Knight has shown flashes of brilliance this season, making spectacular saves while occasionally battling consistency issues. His performance will prove crucial against Tampa Bay’s firepower, particularly with Kucherov returning to the lineup. Knight’s ability to track pucks through traffic and make timely saves on high-danger chances will determine Chicago’s success.

Backing up Knight is Arvid Soderblom, who provides reliable depth and has stepped up when called upon this season. The Blackhawks’ goaltending tandem has exceeded expectations through the early schedule, giving Chicago a chance to compete nightly despite facing more talented offensive teams.

Andrei Vasilevskiy stands between the pipes for Tampa Bay, bringing his Vezina Trophy-caliber abilities and playoff pedigree to this matchup. Vasilevskiy has carried the Lightning through numerous playoff runs and remains one of the league’s elite goaltenders. His recent statistics reflect Tampa Bay’s overall struggles, but his ability to steal games single-handedly makes him dangerous regardless of the score or situation.

Jonas Johansson serves as Vasilevskiy’s backup, providing experienced depth should Tampa Bay need a change or rest for their starter. The Lightning’s goaltending situation remains stable despite their defensive struggles, as Vasilevskiy’s talent provides a safety net for occasional breakdowns.

Chicago’s tactical decision to dress seven defensemen reflects their strategic approach against Tampa Bay’s offensive talent. By maintaining fresh legs on the blue line, the Blackhawks can better handle the Lightning’s speed and skill while limiting high-danger scoring chances. This configuration also allows for more aggressive pinching by defensemen without sacrificing coverage, potentially creating odd-man rushes the other way.

Tampa Bay’s challenge involves converting their offensive opportunities while shoring up defensive consistency. With Kucherov returning, the Lightning gain their most dynamic playmaker, but defensive zone coverage and goaltender support remain areas requiring improvement. Cooper’s ability to balance offensive aggression with defensive responsibility will determine whether Tampa Bay can snap their recent funk and build momentum.

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This October 23rd matchup between the Blackhawks and Lightning offers contrasting narratives heading in different directions. Chicago’s surprising competitiveness reflects their young core’s accelerated development, while Tampa Bay’s struggles raise questions about whether championship windows truly close or simply narrow. The projected lineups showcase both teams’ strategic adjustments to injuries and personnel decisions, setting up an intriguing tactical battle.

For the Blackhawks, continued growth from Bedard, Nazar, and their young defensemen represents the primary storyline regardless of the final score. Every game provides valuable experience for Chicago’s rebuild, and competitive performances against contenders like Tampa Bay validate their developmental trajectory. For the Lightning, urgency mounts with each disappointing result, making tonight’s home game against a rebuilding opponent a must-win situation to regain confidence and momentum moving forward into the season’s heart.