The Chicago Blackhawks conclude three-game road trip in Florida

The Chicago Blackhawks look to close out their three-game road trip on a high note as they face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers in a Saturday matinee.

Chicago is coming off a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Connor Bedard scored to extend his point streak to four games, while Ilya Mikheyev also found the back of the net. Goaltender Arvid Soderblom made 24 saves in the game.

The loss dropped the Blackhawks' record to 16-30-5 of the season. They have lost eight straight against the Hurricanes and eight of their last 10 overall.

This marks the final meeting of the season between Chicago and Florida.

The Blackhawks won the first matchup at home in November, 3-1.

Game Notes:

• Tyler Bertuzzi leads Chicago with 17 goals, while Connor Bedard is first in assists (30) and points (45).

• Craig Smith remains out of the lineup with a back injury.

• Defensmen Connor Murphy returns to the Blackhawks, pairing with TJ Brodie on the third defensive unit. This is Murphy's first game back since the 2025 NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Eve after missing time with a groin injury.

• Patrick Maroon slots back in the lineup for Philipp Kurashev.

• Petr Mrazek will start in goal for the afternoon game.

• Teuvo Teravainen missed Friday's practice due to maintenance but is expected to play Saturday.

The Other Squad...

The Florida Panthers kicked off their three-game homestand with a 3-0 shutout win over the LA Kings Wednesday.

This game against Chicago is the first of a back-to-back set. They'll play the New York Islanders on Sunday.

Sam Reinhart leads the Cats with 29 goals and 54 points while Matthew Tkachuk is first in assists with 31 this season.

Keys to the Game:

1. Special Teams Execution: Chicago must capitalize on power-play opportunities and stay disciplined to limit Florida's chances with the man advantage. The Blackhawks rank ninth in the league on the powerplay (23.8%) and 11th on the penalty kill (81.5%). Florida's power play sits at eighth in the league (24.2%), while its penalty kill ranks 15th.

2. Goaltending Battle: Petr Mrazek will need to be sharp against a Panthers team that generates high-danger scoring chances. Florida applies heavy offensive pressure, so Mrazek must stay alert and establish a strong presence in the crease early.

3. Defensive Structure: With Connor Murphy back in the lineup, Chicago must focus on limiting Florida's transition game and shutting down key players like Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Sam Reinhart.

How to Watch: The puck drops at 12:00 p.m. CST on ABC/ESPN+. Fans can listen to the game on WGN Radio 720.