Ottawa Senators at Chicago Blackhawks – October 28, 2025

The Ottawa Senators travel to the United Center to face the Chicago Blackhawks on October 28, 2025, in what promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Senators enter this contest riding a three-game winning streak and fresh off a dominant 7-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks look to rebound from a disappointing 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings that snapped their five-game point streak. With both teams carrying momentum from early-season success and dealing with key injury situations, this Tuesday night clash could have significant implications for both squads as they navigate the opening months of the 2025-26 campaign.

The storylines surrounding both teams are compelling. Ottawa is managing without captain Brady Tkachuk following thumb surgery, while Chicago faces uncertainty about the availability of Tyler Bertuzzi and Ilya Mikheyev, both dealing with upper-body issues. The Senators have been particularly impressive on the power play, converting at an NHL-best 35.1% rate, while the Blackhawks have relied on strong defensive play and excellent goaltending from Spencer Knight.

Ottawa Senators projected lineup for October 28, 2025

The Ottawa Senators are expected to ice a largely unchanged lineup after their offensive explosion against Boston. With Brady Tkachuk sidelined, the team has restructured its forward lines to distribute scoring depth across all four units. Nick Cousins has been elevated to play alongside Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson on the top line, a trio that has shown chemistry in recent outings.

The second line features the recently acquired Dylan Cozens centering Ridly Greig and David Perron. Cozens has made an immediate impact since joining the Senators, recording 10 points through the team’s first 10 games and providing the two-way presence the team desperately needed down the middle. This line has been particularly effective at generating zone time and creating offensive pressure.

Shane Pinto anchors the third line between Michael Amadio and veteran Claude Giroux. Pinto has been one of Ottawa’s most consistent performers this season, leading the team with eight goals and sitting tied for the team lead with 10 points. His ability to win faceoffs and contribute offensively has been crucial to the Senators’ early success.

The fourth line consists of Kurtis MacDermid, Lars Eller, and Fabian Zetterlund. This unit provides energy and physicality while also being capable of chipping in offensively when needed. Eller’s veteran presence has been valuable in mentoring the younger players on the roster.

On defense, Jake Sanderson continues to emerge as a legitimate number-one defenseman, partnering with Artem Zub on the top pair. Sanderson recorded three points against Boston and now has eight assists on the season, leading all Senators defensemen in that category. His ability to transition the puck and jump into the rush has opened up Ottawa’s offensive game.

Thomas Chabot and Nick Jensen form the second pairing, with Chabot quarterbacking the team’s lethal power play. Despite some inconsistency at even strength, Chabot’s creativity and offensive instincts make him dangerous with the man advantage. The third pairing features Tyler Kleven and Nikolas Matinpalo, providing a more stay-at-home presence.

Between the pipes, Linus Ullmark is expected to get the start after receiving a rest day on Monday. The veteran netminder has posted a 4-3-1 record with a 3.11 goals-against average and .870 save percentage. While his numbers haven’t been spectacular, Ullmark has been solid when his team has given him goal support. In five career appearances against Chicago, he’s 3-1-0 with a respectable 2.76 GAA and .875 save percentage, suggesting he matches up well against the Blackhawks.

Chicago Blackhawks projected lineup for October 28, 2025

The Chicago Blackhawks face some lineup uncertainty heading into Tuesday’s game, with head coach Jeff Blashill indicating that final decisions on Tyler Bertuzzi and Ilya Mikheyev won’t be made until closer to puck drop. Both players are questionable after dealing with upper-body injuries, though Bertuzzi’s participation in the optional morning skate is an encouraging sign.

If Bertuzzi returns, he would likely slot back into his familiar spot on the top line with Connor Bedard and Andre Burakovsky. This trio has shown flashes of excellence when healthy, with Bedard continuing his development as one of hockey’s brightest young stars. The second-year center scored in Sunday’s loss to Los Angeles and has been the driving force behind Chicago’s offensive attack. Burakovsky’s addition in the offseason has provided Bedard with a skilled linemate capable of finishing plays.

The second line features Teuvo Teravainen centering Frank Nazar and Ryan Donato. This unit has been Chicago’s most consistent throughout the first nine games. Donato leads the team with five goals and has developed a knack for scoring timely tallies, including game-winning goals in back-to-back contests against Anaheim and Tampa Bay. Nazar, another highly-touted prospect, leads the Blackhawks with nine points and has shown the two-way game necessary to succeed at the NHL level.

Should Bertuzzi and Mikheyev remain out, the Blackhawks will continue to operate with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. The third line would feature Landon Slaggert, Jason Dickinson, and Colton Dach, while Nick Foligno would center the fourth line. Sam Lafferty, who has been a healthy scratch for six consecutive games, could draw back into the lineup if either Bertuzzi or Mikheyev cannot go. Ryan Greene would also be a candidate to slot in on the wing alongside Bedard if needed.

Chicago’s defense corps is one of the youngest in the league but has performed admirably through the opening weeks. Alex Vlasic and Sam Rinzel form the top pair, with both young defensemen showing steady improvement in their decision-making and puck-moving abilities. The second pairing of Wyatt Kaiser and first-overall pick Artyom Levshunov has demonstrated why the organization is so excited about its defensive pipeline. Levshunov’s transition to the North American game has been smoother than many anticipated.

The third pairing consists of veteran Matt Grzelcyk and Connor Murphy. Murphy’s leadership and experience have been invaluable in helping guide the younger defensemen, while Grzelcyk provides mobility and the ability to move the puck efficiently. Louis Crevier serves as the seventh defenseman, ready to step in when needed.

Spencer Knight gets the starting assignment in goal for Chicago. The 24-year-old has been a revelation for the Blackhawks after arriving in a trade, posting a 3-2-1 record with an impressive 1.97 goals-against average and .937 save percentage. His performance has been a major reason why Chicago ranks fourth in the NHL in goals against per game (2.44). Knight stopped 29 of 31 shots in his last outing against Tampa Bay and appears to have found his groove after struggling with consistency earlier in his career. Against Ottawa specifically, Knight is 3-1-0 with a 3.49 GAA, one shutout, and .891 save percentage in four career appearances.

Key matchups and storylines for Senators vs Blackhawks

The special teams battle will likely determine this game’s outcome. Ottawa enters with the league’s best power play at 35.1%, having scored four times with the man advantage in Monday’s victory over Boston. The Senators’ ability to move the puck quickly and find seams has made them nearly unstoppable when up a skater. Jake Sanderson’s point shot and Shane Pinto’s net-front presence have been particularly effective components of their power-play attack.

Chicago’s penalty kill, however, ranks ninth in the NHL at 85%, presenting a significant challenge for the Senators. The Blackhawks’ aggressive forecheck on the kill and Knight’s strong positional play have made it difficult for opposing power plays to generate quality chances. This special teams clash could swing the game, especially given Chicago’s struggles on its own power play, which converts at just 15.6%, ranking 26th in the league.

The faceoff circle represents another critical battleground. Ottawa leads the entire NHL in faceoff win percentage at 59.6%, giving them more offensive zone starts and better defensive zone clearances. The Senators’ dominance on draws has been a foundational element of their success, allowing them to control possession and dictate play. Chicago sits below 50% at 48% in faceoffs, ranking 22nd in the league. Winning draws cleanly will be essential for the Blackhawks to establish any sustained pressure.

The back-to-back situation for Ottawa could also factor into the game’s flow. While the Senators looked sharp against Boston, playing their second game in as many nights while traveling could lead to some fatigue in the third period. The Blackhawks will need to weather Ottawa’s early pressure and look to capitalize late if the Senators begin to tire.

Connor Bedard’s continued development remains a focal point for Chicago. The young star has shown flashes of brilliance but is still learning to impose his will over a full 60 minutes. Against a Senators team that allows 3.70 goals per game (28th in the NHL), Bedard and his linemates should have opportunities to create offense. However, Ottawa’s improved defensive structure under their new coaching staff has made them less prone to the defensive breakdowns that plagued them in previous seasons.

Goaltending duel shapes the evening

The goaltending matchup between Linus Ullmark and Spencer Knight presents an intriguing contrast in styles and situations. Ullmark arrived in Ottawa with high expectations after his success in Boston, but his numbers through the first 10 games have been pedestrian at best. His .870 save percentage ranks near the bottom of the league among qualified starters, though he’s benefited from strong offensive support.

Ullmark’s performance will be crucial for Ottawa’s success. The veteran has the experience and track record to deliver strong performances in important games, and his familiarity with facing Chicago should serve him well. His ability to stop the first shot and limit second-chance opportunities will be essential against a Blackhawks team that generates much of its offense through net-front presence and deflections.

Knight, conversely, has exceeded all expectations in Chicago. His .937 save percentage ranks among the league leaders, and his calm demeanor has given the Blackhawks confidence in close games. The former first-round pick appears to have put his early-career struggles behind him and is playing with the poise of a veteran. His athletic ability and quick reflexes make him particularly effective against skilled offensive teams like Ottawa.

The tactical approach from both goaltenders will differ significantly. Ullmark relies on positioning and reading plays, rarely making spectacular saves because he’s already in position. Knight plays a more aggressive style, challenging shooters and using his athleticism to make difficult saves look routine. These contrasting approaches could create different rhythms offensively for both teams throughout the evening.

What this game means moving forward

For the Senators, extending their winning streak to four games would provide significant momentum as they prepare to face a challenging stretch of their schedule. Ottawa’s improved play has been encouraging, but questions remain about their defensive consistency and ability to maintain their torrid power-play pace. A victory over a young, improving Blackhawks team would demonstrate their growth and ability to win different types of games.

Chicago, meanwhile, needs to respond after suffering their first regulation loss in more than two weeks. The Blackhawks have exceeded expectations through the first month, but maintaining that success over an 82-game season requires resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. A strong performance against Ottawa would reinforce the progress they’ve made and show that Sunday’s loss was merely a bump in the road rather than the beginning of a slide.

The injury situations for both teams add another layer of intrigue. How Ottawa adapts without Tkachuk’s physical presence and leadership will be telling, while Chicago’s depth is being tested with multiple forwards dealing with injuries. These challenges provide opportunities for other players to step up and expand their roles, potentially altering both teams’ trajectories as the season progresses.

According to The Hockey Writers, the Blackhawks’ recent success has come from their young core embracing increased responsibility while veteran additions have provided stability. The Senators, as detailed by Chicago Hockey Now, have found their offensive identity by spreading scoring across multiple lines and utilizing an elite power play that capitalizes on their skill and creativity.

The puck drops at 8:45 p.m. ET from the United Center, with both teams understanding the importance of building early-season momentum. Ottawa seeks to prove their hot start is sustainable, while Chicago aims to show their surprising success is no fluke. With playoff positioning beginning to take shape even in late October, every point matters in what promises to be a competitive and entertaining matchup.