NHL Game Preview: Calgary Flames (19-23-4) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (19-20-7)

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The Calgary Flames (19-23-4, 42 points, 7th in Pacific Division) face the Chicago Blackhawks (19-20-7, 45 points, 6th in Central Division) in a Western Conference interdivisional matchup. Both teams are hovering near the bottom of their divisions and looking to build momentum before the Olympic break, with Chicago holding a slight edge in points despite recent inconsistencies. The Flames are wrapping up a tough road trip, while the Blackhawks aim to rebound from a shutout loss.

Venue Location

United Center, Chicago, IL (Capacity: 19,717).

Puckdrop is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET (Broadcast: ESPN+, CHSN).

Injury Report

Both teams are managing multiple absences, particularly on the forward lines and defense, which could lead to increased roles for depth players and affect special teams.

Calgary Flames:

LW Blake Coleman (upper body): Placed on IR on Jan. 13; expected return Jan. 17.

D Zayne Parekh (upper body): Day-to-day; out since Jan. 8.

C John Beecher (upper body): IR; out since Jan. 3.

D Jake Bean (undisclosed/surgery): Out indefinitely; since Dec. 6.

LW Samuel Honzek (upper body/surgery): Out six months; since early season.

C Martin Pospisil (undisclosed): LTIR; on conditioning loan.

Chicago Blackhawks:

LW Teuvo Teravainen (upper body): Out; will not play Jan. 15, update after.

C Frank Nazar (upper body): IR; expected out until Feb. 26.

D Shea Weber (ankle): Out for the season; LTIR.

D Ryan Ellis (back): IR.

C Connor Bedard (illness): Recently returned; expected to play.

Key

Player Matchups to Watch

This game features young talent against veteran presence, with goaltending potentially decisive given defensive injuries.

C Nazem Kadri (CGY) vs. C Connor Bedard (CHI): Kadri (leading CGY with ~35 points, strong faceoffs) brings experience and playmaking. Bedard (CHI’s top scorer with 18G, 40P, elite shot) is a dynamic rookie threat in transition.

LW Jonathan Huberdeau (CGY) vs. D Seth Jones (CHI): Huberdeau (15G, 25A) seeks consistency with his creativity. Jones (high TOI, blocks) anchors CHI’s blue line and could limit rush chances.

D MacKenzie Weegar (CGY) vs. LW Tyler Bertuzzi (CHI): Weegar (physical, 20+ points) excels in shutdown roles. Bertuzzi (multi-point games, gritty finisher) could test gaps with forechecking.

G Dustin Wolf (CGY) vs. G Petr Mrazek (CHI): Wolf (.899 SV%, recent struggles) faces ~30 shots/game. Mrazek (solid home, better support) benefits from CHI’s structure.

Recent Team Forms

Calgary Flames (3-6-1 in last 10 games, -13 goal differential):

The Flames have struggled on the road (7-15-2 away), averaging 2.4 goals/game in their last 10 while allowing 3.7. They’re on a five-game losing streak after a 5-3 loss to Columbus on Jan. 13.

DateOpponentResult
Jan 13@ CBJL 3-5
Jan 10@ PITW 2-1
Jan 8@ BOSL 1-4
Jan 7@ MTLL 1-4
Jan 5vs SEAL 1-5
Jan 3vs NSHL 3-4
Dec 31@ PHIW 4-3
Dec 30vs BOSW 5-1
Dec 28vs EDML 1-3
Dec 27@ EDMW 3-2

Chicago Blackhawks (6-3-1 in last 10 games, +2 goal differential):

The Blackhawks have been solid at home (10-10-4), averaging 3.2 goals/game in their last 10 while allowing 3.0. They snapped a two-game skid with a 3-0 shutout over Nashville on Jan. 10 but lost 4-1 to Edmonton on Jan. 12.

DateOpponentResult
Jan 12vs EDML 1-4
Jan 10@ NSHW 3-0
Jan 9vs NYIL 2-5
Jan 7vs STLW 7-3
Jan 4vs VGKW 3-2 (OT)
Jan 3@ WSHW 3-2 (SO)
Jan 1vs DALW 4-3
Dec 31vs PITL 3-7
Dec 30vs NYIL 2-3
Dec 28@ DALW 4-3

Series History

The Flames and Blackhawks have played 208 regular-season games, with Chicago holding a 93-93-22 edge (including ties). In the last 10 meetings, Calgary is 4-6-0. The Blackhawks won the most recent matchup 5-2 on Nov. 18, 2025. At United Center, CHI is 50-43-11 vs. CGY. Recent games average 5.8 goals, with 5 of the last 10 under 6.

Betting Trends

Moneyline: CHI is 10-10 as home favorites; CGY is 5-12 as road underdogs.

Puck Line (Spread): CHI covers 50% as favorites; CGY covers 45% as underdogs.

Total (Over/Under): Over has hit in 5 of CHI’s last 10 (avg. 6.0 goals/game) and 6 of CGY’s last 10 (avg. 6.3). Head-to-head leans under (6 of last 10 under 6). Trends: Flames are 3-6-1 in last 10, 1-4 on road lately. Blackhawks are 6-3-1 in last 10, 4-1 at home vs. sub-.500 teams.

Game Odds

Calgary Flames                 5.5

Chicago Blackhawks       – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026