Chicago Blackhawks: Everything You Need To Know For Opening Night

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No. 1: Cam Ward is our starter.

Cam Ward was officially named the starter for tonight’s game. Corey Crawford‘s return has received a target date, October 18th, but it will be Ward’s job to lose until Corey comes back fully healthy.

Tonight is Ward’s first real chance to try and prove that he is capable of holding down the fort until Crawford is back. Against one of the worst teams in the National Hockey League, Ward’s performance tonight will be one that matters.

If he succeeds, great. If we win despite him, that’s okay too.

If he plays like he did during his infamous Detroit Red Wings start in which he gave up six goals, it could be a long season awaiting the return of Crawford.

It just might be anyway.

No. 2: Delia in, Forsberg out.

During the Chicago Blackhawks morning skate backup goaltender Anton Forsberg was injured after being hit by a puck. As a result, Rockford IceHogs goalie Collin Delia was called up for tonight’s game.

Some fans have pointed out the irony here which, to be fair, is comical. Anton Forsberg is paid to get hit by the puck and he typically doesn’t do a very good job of it. Now, he finally stops one and gets hurt in the process.

Perfect.

Thankfully, the injury happened early enough in the day so that Delia could still make the trip to O’Hare and catch a flight into Ottawa.

In other news, there will be no emergency-goaltender Scott Foster-like appearances tonight (so we think, anyway).

Delia played in just two games during the Blackhawks season last year and he didn’t look particularly great in either of them.

That said, he came a long way to get there as he started the season in the ECHL before clawing his way to the AHL where he went 17-7-2 with the Rockford IceHogs. In the AHL playoffs, he posted a .924 S% and a 2.34 goals-against average.

Here’s what Delia had to say on his brief trip to the NHL last year:

“If you would have told me I was going to play in the NHL last year when I first signed, I would have called you crazy,” said Delia. “It was unfortunate to have all the injuries we had, but that’s hockey, that’s the way it goes. I’m just thankful my name was called.” Delia continued, saying “Now it’s just a matter of being ready for whatever they need from me. That’s where my head’s at.”

Well, let’s hope Delia’s head stayed there because his name is being called once again. Though Delia’s chances of playing tonight are slim, if Forsberg’s injury lingers (or Ward puts up another six goals against performance) Delia could earn himself another start.

Forsberg was said to have gotten hit “up high” during practice, however rumors have hit Twitter claiming he may have broken a finger. If Forsberg were to miss time, Delia’s odds of earning NHL playing time this year will get significantly better. He looked good in preseason and this could end up being just the audition he needed to prove he’s a capable backup.

Stay tuned on that storyline.

No. 3: Jokiharju is making his NHL debut.

This is a big deal, people.

Henri Jokiharju, who turned only 19 this past June, is making his NHL debut tonight. “I’ve waited, like, all my childhood to play in the NHL,” said Jokiharju per Tracey Myers. He continued, saying:

“It’s going to be a huge game, but I’m not going to make it any bigger than what it’s going to be,” Jokiharju said. “I’m not going to try to think too much. It’s one game for me. Obviously, this is the best time of my life right now, so I’m just going to enjoy it.”

Jokiharju’s confidence here is huge. Hopefully, confidence translates well to the ice and eliminates him from making too many defensive mistakes. Two-time Norris Trophy winning Duncan Keith will be playing alongside him tonight, so hopefully that contributes to his confidence and comfort level as well.

Jokiharju (28) will be one to keep your eyes on all season long, but tonight especially.

No. 4: The Chicago Blackhawks lines

In addition to Jokiharju skating with Keith on defense, here’s how the Blackhawks lines shape up tonight.

DeBrincat (12)-Toews (19)-Kahun (24)
Saad (20)-Schmaltz (8)-Kane (88)
Kunitz (14)-Anisimov (15)-Kampf (64)
Kruger (16)-Johnson (62)-Martinsen (29)

No. 5: This game is a must win.

I know that it’s only the first game of the season, but hear me out.

This team is coming off two less than desirable seasons in which they were swept out of the playoffs and missed them entirely. Obviously, these are far below the standards which the Chicago Blackhawks’ core have established for themselves.

Tonight they are starting their season off against debatably the worst team in the NHL, the Ottawa Senators. For a point of reference, 41 of 47 writers for the The Athletic’s NHL division picked them to be the worst team in the NHL this year. The Hawks split their preseason matchups with them (1-1) and went 2-4 in the preseason overall.

In those six preseason games, they lost two of them to the Detroit Red Wings who also earned votes as the NHL’s worst team this year.

It’s easy to dismiss these games as “just the preseason,” however that excuse doesn’t hold up anymore.

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Tonight the Chicago Blackhawks need to prove that they are better than these bottom-feeder teams. They need to prove that they are capable of winning in front of Cam Ward. They need to prove that the minimal moves they made in the offseason haven’t already come back to bite them.

They need to prove they are still capable of being the Chicago Blackhawks.

After a disappointing finish two seasons ago, the Blackhawks came out in their first game and beat the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins 10-1.

I’m not asking for a nine goal victory, but beating predictably the worst team in the NHL doesn’t feel like too much to ask, right?

I sure hope not.

The Chicago Blackhawks start at 7:30 CT tonight on WGN. Additionally, the radio broadcast can be found there as well.

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