The Chicago Blackhawks (21-23-9) travel to face the Pittsburgh Penguins (26-14-11) in an interconference matchup that pits Chicago’s rebuilding efforts against Pittsburgh’s veteran core aiming for a playoff push. The Blackhawks have shown flashes of competitiveness but struggle with consistency, particularly on the road, while the Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby’s timeless production, have been solid at home despite recent defensive lapses. This is the first meeting of the season between the teams, with Pittsburgh holding a strong historical edge. Injuries on both sides could lead to a gritty, low-scoring contest at PPG Paints Arena, where the Penguins’ experience might prevail, but Chicago’s young talent could spring an upset if they capitalize on special teams.
Venue Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on NBCS-CHI, ATTSN-PT, and ESPN+.
Recent Team Forms
The Blackhawks rank 24th in goals per game (2.75) and 25th in goals against (3.25), with a power play at 16.5% (26th) and penalty kill at 77.8% (25th). The Penguins are 12th in goals per game (3.15) and 15th in goals against (2.90), with a power play at 21.2% (13th) and penalty kill at 81.0% (15th).
Chicago Blackhawks (Last 10 Games: 3-6-1, Avg. 2.6 GPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 vs. ANA: L 2-4 (Bedard G; defensive issues).
Jan. 26 @ EDM: W 3-2 (SO).
Jan. 24 vs. DAL: L 2-3.
Jan. 22 @ VAN: W 4-3 (OT).
Jan. 20 vs. BUF: L 2-5.
Strengths: Young core production (Bedard 18 G, 30 A); Road resilience in close games. Weaknesses: Allowing 3.25 GAA; Turnover-prone in losses.
Pittsburgh Penguins (Last 10 Games: 5-3-2, Avg. 3.2 GPG)
Recent Streak: Won 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 @ FLA: W 4-3 (Crosby 2 A; strong PP).
Jan. 26 vs. TOR: L 2-3 (OT).
Jan. 24 vs. ARI: W 5-1.
Jan. 22 vs. BUF: L 3-4.
Jan. 20 vs. VGK: W 3-2.
Strengths: Veteran leadership (Crosby 25 G, 40 A); Home dominance (15-5-6). Weaknesses: Penalty kill dips in losses; Occasional slow starts.
Injury Report
Injuries significantly affect both teams, with Chicago missing depth forwards and Pittsburgh dealing with defensive absences.
Chicago Blackhawks:
OUT: Laurent Brossoit (G, Knee; expected return Feb. 19).
OUT: Taylor Hall (LW, ACL; out for season).
DAY-TO-DAY: Alec Martinez (D, Groin).
DAY-TO-DAY: Tyler Bertuzzi (LW, Lower Body).
Pittsburgh Penguins:
OUT: Matt Nieto (LW, Knee; expected return Mar. 1).
OUT: Alex Nedeljkovic (G, Lower Body; expected return Feb. 5).
DAY-TO-DAY: Tristan Jarry (G, Upper Body).
DAY-TO-DAY: Kris Letang (D, Illness).
Key Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups amid injuries:
Blackhawks Forwards: Tyler Bertuzzi (questionable) – Connor Bedard – Philipp Kurashev; Nick Foligno – Jason Dickinson – Teuvo Teravainen; Taylor Hall (out; adjustments with Lukas Reichel) – Andreas Athanasiou – Patrick Maroon; Joey Anderson – Ryan Donato – Craig Smith.
Penguins Forwards: Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust; Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell; Anthony Beauvillier – Lars Eller – Jesse Puljujarvi; Kevin Hayes – Cody Glass – Valtteri Puustinen.
Blackhawks Defense: Alec Martinez (questionable) – Seth Jones; Alex Vlasic – Connor Murphy; T.J. Brodie – Kevin Korchinski.
Penguins Defense: Marcus Pettersson – Kris Letang (questionable); Matt Grzelcyk – Erik Karlsson; Owen Pickering – Jack St. Ivany.
Goalies: Blackhawks – Petr Mrazek (20 GP, 9-9-2, 2.95 GAA, .900 SV%); Penguins – Joel Blomqvist (15 GP, 8-3-2, 2.65 GAA, .905 SV%) if Jarry out.
Key Matchups:
Connor Bedard vs. Sidney Crosby: Bedard (18 G, 30 A) speed vs. Crosby (25 G, 40 A) experience and playmaking.
Philipp Kurashev vs. Erik Karlsson: Kurashev (15 G, 25 A) tests Karlsson’s offensive defense (10 G, 35 A).
Seth Jones vs. Evgeni Malkin: Jones’ shutdown vs. Malkin’s scoring (20 G, 35 A).
Goalie Duel: Mrazek vs. Blomqvist: Mrazek’s volume saves vs. Blomqvist’s efficiency.
Series History
All-time: Penguins lead 95-66-16 in 177 regular-season games. Playoffs: Penguins lead 8-7 in games (2-1 series). Recently: Penguins 7-3 in last 10; Blackhawks won last 4-3 on Feb. 15, 2025. This season: First meeting (0-0).
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Penguins 3-7 ATS in last 10 (weak as favorites); Blackhawks 5-5 ATS in last 10 (strong as underdogs). Penguins 5-5 ATS at home; Blackhawks 4-6 ATS on road. Over in 5 of Penguins’ last 7; Over in 4 of Blackhawks’ last 6 vs. Metropolitan teams.
Game Odds
Chicago Blackhawks 6.5
Pittsburgh Penguins – 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
