The Chicago Blackhawks welcome the Nashville Predators to the United Center for Black Friday hockey, and the debut of Chicago’s new black alternates.

NHL officiating has not been a friend of the Chicago Blackhawks this season. Dating back to the Hawks’ 3-2 loss against the Seattle Kraken just over a week ago, every game since has incorporated the stench of bad officiating. Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild is no different.

Despite the adversity, the Blackhawks are miraculously hanging around in the Western Conference playoff picture. Just two points out of the final Wild Card spot, the Blackhawks need to put together a few wins to continue their ascent. Friday’s tilt against the Nashville Predators is a great starting point.

Epically, the Blackhawks will debut their black alternate jerseys on Friday. Friday’s game is the first of seven occurrences where the Hawks will don their sweet new alternates.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators Preview

Excellent jerseys aside, the Blackhawks will surely welcome the last place Predators to town. Chicago’s schedule has been tough, with their last two Central Division tilts coming against some of the best in the west. However, the struggling Predators are just what the doctor ordered for a Hawks team in search of two points.

The Predators cannot buy a goal lately. The lowest scoring team in the NHL is not getting any offense from two of their biggest stars. Although the always-consistent Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly are producing, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault have combined for 14 points in 43 total games between the two. After Nashville went all in during the 2024 free agency period, they’re now reportedly looking to find new homes for some of their veterans.

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As for the Hawks, the offense reignited on Wednesday night. Although they only posted three goals, the Hawks managed to pepper Filip Gustavsson with 37 shots on net, including 20 in the opening period. Ideally, that offensive prowess will translate to Friday’s tilt, resulting in a well-needed victory for the Blackhawks.

How to Watch Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators

Several streaming and TV options are available for fans looking to watch the Blackhawks vs. Colorado Avalanche game live. The game will air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)*, NHLN, TVAS, SN, and ALT in their respective markets. Because the game will air on NHLN, it will not be available on ESPN+.

*CHSN is currently available via a direct-to-consumer streaming service and cable services Xfinity (Comcast Ultimate Tier, channel 200 and 201), DIRECTV (channel 665), DIRECTV Stream (channel 665), U-Verse (channel 1741), Astound (channels 685 and 576), and FuboTV.