Chicago Blackhawks: 10 Can’t-Miss Games Next Season

10. Blackhawks at Jets — Feb. 10, 2017
It’s always fun to see the kind of ovation Jonathan Toews gets in his hometown of Winnipeg. The Jets and Blackhawks always play physical contests, and this one comes just before the NHL trade deadline on Feb. 28, which makes it an interesting game to see if players on both sides will be trying to play their way into or out of town.
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9. Maple Leafs at Blackhawks — Oct. 22, 2016
Early on in the season, the Blackhawks will get to see the (presumptive) first overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft as the Toronto Maple Leafs and (more than likely) Auston Matthews come to Chicago.
Also making this game a fun one to watch early in the season is the fact Chicago, and more specifically Patrick Kane, owned the Maple Leafs last season. Early season point grab for Kane? We shall see.
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8. Oilers at Blackhawks — Feb. 18, 2017
Speaking of top picks coming to town, the Blackhawks will have to wait until the middle of February to see last year’s top-pick, Connor McDavid, and the Edmonton Oilers in Chicago. Much like when the Maple Leafs come to the United Center, the home matchup against the Oilers might be an opportunity for the Blackhawks to “get fat” ahead of the trade deadline.
7. Hurricanes at Blackhawks — Jan. 6, 2017
While this won’t be the first matchup of the two teams …
Assuming they make Hurricanes (pause), Bryan BIckell and Teuvo Teravainen will first face former #Blackhawks teammates Dec. 30 in Carolina.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 21, 2016
… the Hurricanes and Blackhawks playing in Chicago in early January will be the first time that Teuvo Teravainen and Bryan Bickell will play in Chicago since being traded this offseason. Like Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune points out, it might be a tossup if both players are with the Hurricanes when Chicago heads East, or when Carolina comes to Chicago.
6. Red Wings at Blackhawks — Jan. 10, 2017
The first of two matchups next season between the two Original Six rivals, this game will undoubtedly be a hot ticket in Chicago. The season will be ramping up after the Winter Classic, and the All-Star Game will be right around the corner at the end of January. The buzz will be crazy at the United Center for this one. (Also, it’s on my birthday!)
Next: Games To See No. 5-1