Blackhawks hope to turn things around on Winter Classic stage

Not surprisingly, the Chicago Blackhawks have struggled this season. In the midst of a rebuild, the team finds itself in last place with a four-game losing streak going into the new year.

However, with all eyes on the outdoor Winter Classic taking place at Wrigley Field, the Blackhawks have the opportunity to turn their season around with a big win on national television Tuesday evening (TNT, 5 pm EST).

The Blackhawks will face a St. Louis Blues team that recently made a coaching change, bringing in former Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, who previously had a stint as a Blues assistant coach from 2020-2022. Since the change, St. Louis has gone 8-5-3. 

Chicago has struggled to keep the puck out of the back of its net during its recent four-game losing streak, allowing 21 goals during that span. In two of those games, starting goaltender Petr Mrazek stopped just 31 out of 40 shots (.775 SV%) and was pulled in the team's 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.

His partner in net hasn't fared much better; Arvid Soderblom's stats during the three games he's played in since Dec. 21 include just an .880 save percentage.

On the flip side, the Blackhawks' young superstar, Connor Bedard, will certainly get plenty of attention in his first outdoor game. After a slow start that included just four goals in his first 23 games, Bedard has six goals in December (14 games) and goes into the matchup with a four-game point streak (six points total).

Chicago will face a Blues team that is just four points out of a playoff spot. With young offensive stars such as Jordan Kyrou (31 points in 38 games) and Robert Thomas (28 points in 26 games), the Blackhawks will have their hands full defensively. 

Although their defensive struggles have been highlighted, Chicago's special teams should leave fans with some optimism for the Winter Classic. The Blackhawk's power play ranks 13th with a 22.3% success rate, and their penalty kill has been exceptional at 85.5%, third in the league.

To put on a good show, they'll have to hope for some special teams opportunities, as their 5v5 goals for per 60 ranks 29th in the league with just 2.83.

While plenty of fans braving the outdoor conditions will be hoping for a victory, many might like to see their team continue its losing ways in hopes of a top draft pick in June. At 32nd place, the Blackhawks would have a 25.5% chance at picking first overall, which would likely see a selection of American star James Hagens, who could pair nicely with Bedard down the middle.

This will be the Blackhawks' seventh outdoor game. Pregame festivities begin at 10:30 am and include a performance by country singer Jon Pardi.