Chicago Blackhawks (0–0–0) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (0–0–0)
1 p.m. CDT
O2 Arena (Prague)
TV/Radio: NBCSCH/WGN
Projected starters
Chicago — Corey Crawford (2018–19 statistics: 14–18–5, .908 save percentage, 2.93 goals against average)
Philadelphia — Carter Hart (2018–19 statistics: 16–13–1, .917 save percentage, 2.83 goals against average)
Team statistics (2018–19 season)
Power play
Chicago (20.2%, 15th)
Philadelphia (17.1%, 23rd)
Penalty kill
Chicago (72.73%)
Philadelphia (78.48%)
Shorts for/against
Chicago (32.5 12th; 34.8, 30th)
Philadelphia (31.5, 17th; 32.5, 10th)
Shooting percentage
Chicago (10.1%)
Philadelphia (9.3%)
Face off percentage
Chicago (49.4%, T-20th)
Philadelphia (54.7%, first)
Blackhawks projected lineup
Alexander Nylander — Jonathan Toews — Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat — Dylan Strome — Andrew Shaw
Brandon Saad — David Kampf — Dominik Kubalik
Zack Smith — Ryan Carpenter — Drake Caggiula
Duncan Keith — Erik Gustafsson
Slater Koekkoek — Dennis Gilbert
Flyers projected lineup
Claude Giroux — Kevin Hayes — Jakub Voracek
Oskar Lindblom — Sean Couturier — Travis Konecny
James van Riemsdyk — Scott Laughton — Carsen Twarynski
Michael Raffl — Connor Bunnaman — Samuel Morin
Travis Sanheim — Matt Niskanen
Robert Hagg — Shayne Gostisbehere
Analysis
The Chicago Blackhawks are kicking off their 2019 season in Prague against Philadelphia Flyers. If the Blackhawks are going to fulfill the promise this offseason brought, the team needs a strong showing in their season opener.
Stan Bowman had a good offseason addressing holes on the back end with additions of Calvin de Haan and Olli Maatta. Bowman also had a Vezina finalist in Robin Lehner fall into his lap. With all the new pieces in place, it is time for Blackhawks to show the NHL the moves improved the team’s defense. Bowman also took a chance in trading away from his defensive prospect pool to acquire Alex Nylander.
The Blackhawks will start Corey Crawford in net with Lehner backing up in Prague. This could be the last time Crawford starts a season in net for the Blackhawks. With Crawford playing out the last year of his contract and his recent injury history, it makes sense that the Blackhawks may move on in net after this season. The Blackhawks’ long-term answer in the crease could be their backup for today’s game in Lehner.
It is time to see what head coach Jeremy Colliton’s system looks like for a full season. A win today for the Blackhawks puts them on the right track in a season full of hype and promise.