Blackhawks face off against Canadiens on Saturday on NBC Sports Chicago

Blackhawks face off against Canadiens on Saturday on NBC Sports Chicago originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

NBC Sports Chicago kicks off its coverage of the Chicago Blackhawks (1-1) on Saturday when they face the Montreal Canadiens (0-1) on the road. Discover how you can watch the game and catch all Blackhawks games on NBC Sports Chicago.

The Blackhawks have had an even start to the season with two intense away games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. They rallied with four unanswered goals on opening night to defeat Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. However, they suffered a loss to the Bruins in their second game on the road.

18-year-old sensation Connor Bedard, playing as center for the Blackhawks, has already made an impact with two points so far. He provided an assist on opening night and scored a goal in the first period against the Bruins. On Saturday, he will be joined by Ryan Donato and Taylor Raddysh, but Taylor Hall will be absent due to an upper-body injury, as explained in this update.

Head coach Luke Richardson expressed surprise at Hall’s quick recovery, stating, “He told us he was a miracle fast healer. I didn’t know what that meant, but I’m pleasantly surprised to see him on the ice this early. He says he feels better, so we’ll give him a day or two to settle down and assess his condition tomorrow.”

One notable change in the Hawks’ lineup is the addition of Lukas Reichel to the first power-play unit, filling in for the injured Hall. Raddysh has been promoted to the first line due to this adjustment. The Blackhawks have promised Reichel a chance to prove himself as a true NHL center, which can only be tested if he is not on the same line as Bedard. If the Blackhawks determine that Reichel is better suited as a wing, he will be paired with Bedard. Until then, he will have the opportunity to play as a center.

There are many intriguing storylines to follow in this Saturday’s game. Catch the action on NBC Sports Chicago or the NBC Sports app. Don’t forget to tune in at 6 p.m. CT to watch the Blackhawks in their third game of the season.

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