Blackhawks Game #43: Seth Jones Returns Tonight

The Chicago Blackhawks (12-28-2) will have a matchup with the Dallas Stars (24-12-5). Puck drop is 7:00pm at the United Center.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

The Blackhawks stunned the Winnpeg Jets 2-1 back on December 27th, and had the same done to them Thursday, by the same score 2-1, after the Jets buried two goals in the final three minutes of the third period.

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

Scouting the Opponent and Miscellaneous Musings

Things haven’t been easy for the Blackhawks this season, but they get a big boost with Seth Jones returning for his first game in just over a month. This will stabilize what has been a pretty decent defensive corps even more, and even he might be surprised as to how much better they have played since the last time they faced the Stars on New Years Eve.

The Hawks were beaten badly, 8-1, and since that New Years Eve tilt, have gone 1-5 since that game. Though it looks bad on paper, Chicago has kept the games closer than expected. Look no further than the effort against the Edmonton Oilers, who the Hawks limited to just 15 shots. Sure they lost, but they were competitive against a team that averages over 30 shots a night and has (now) won nine straight games.

Tonight is another lineup that will benefit from some regulars recovered from injury and it will be another stout test with the Stars in town.

The Blackhawks will want to have a better effort than what they saw in the final day of 2023 while the Stars are trying to keep pace in the Central with the Jets (eight-game winning streak, division leader) and Avalanche (four points ahead).

Jason Dickinson figures to be a player to watch, but the key will be to see how Seth Jones looks in his first game back in action. The Hawks have been more physical and have held their own in spite of the injuries beleaguering the team.

Tonight marks a big name returning. How will the Hawks look after sixty more minutes against their division rival?