Blackhawks face major test against the Lightning tonight

The Chicago Blackhawks are in Tampa Bay tonight with a matchup against the Lightning—Head Coach Jeff Blashill's old team.

For the Blackhawks (3-2-2), tonight's game is all about continuing a four game point streak, and the team finally getting their first win against the Eastern Conference. For the Lightning (1-3-2), the 2025-26 NHL Season has not started the way they would have liked.

The Lightning are on a three game losing streak and are yet to win at home. Without a doubt, the Blackhawks are facing a team desperate for a win.

The Blackhawks will face a major test tonight against the Lightning.

The Lightning is a playoff team that the Blackhawks seem to be modeling themselves after. A team with big, lengthy defensemen able to cover a lot of area in the defensive zone, with speedy, skilled forwards able to capitalize on every scoring chance.

Tonight, the Hawks face a proven playoff team that will bring its A Game, and it should be a fun test for the young squad. The Blackhawks have played three teams that made the playoffs last season—the Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues.

Chicago managed to beat their division rival in St. Louis, but were outplayed by both Florida and Montreal. Tonight, the Blackhawks can get in the win column against a good Lightning team.

Blashill's squad is going to have to play physical tonight in Tampa Bay, working to shut down some of the Lightning's top scorers. Anthony Cirelli leads the Lightning with three goals in six games, and Jake Guentzel has six points in six games.

Former Blackhawk Brandon Hagel is yet to score a goal this season, so keep an eye out tonight for Hagel to get his first of the year. The Lightning have not played since Saturday, Oct. 18. So they will be ready for puck drop tonight at 5:45 p.m. Let's hope the Hawks start on time!