What's Happening?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to play against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Penguins, currently holding 39 points and positioned 7th in the Metropolitan Division,
will face the Blackhawks, who are in 8th place in the Atlantic Division with 34 points. The game will be broadcast locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh and the Chicago Sports Network, and available for streaming on ESPN+. The Penguins are dealing with the potential return of Blake Lizotte from an upper-body injury, which has kept him out for nine games. His return could enhance the team's penalty kill, which has struggled with a 69 percent success rate recently. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are coping with the absence of key players like Connor Bedard, who is out with a shoulder injury, and Frank Nazar, sidelined due to a facial injury.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is significant as both teams are navigating through challenging periods marked by injuries to key players. For the Penguins, the return of Blake Lizotte could provide a much-needed boost to their penalty kill, potentially improving their defensive performance. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are trying to maintain competitiveness without their star player, Connor Bedard, whose absence has coincided with a losing streak. The outcome of this game could influence the standings in their respective divisions and impact their playoff aspirations. Additionally, the game serves as a test for both teams' depth and ability to adapt to roster changes due to injuries.
What's Next?
Following this game, the Penguins will return home to face the Carolina Hurricanes and then the Detroit Red Wings on New Year's Day. The Blackhawks will continue to assess Connor Bedard's injury, with hopes of his return in January. Both teams will need to strategize on how to manage their rosters effectively amidst ongoing injuries. The Penguins may need to make roster adjustments if Lizotte is activated, while the Blackhawks might focus on developing younger players in the absence of their injured stars.
