On the backend of a back-to-back, the Chicago Blackhawks will be without Connor Bedard as they welcome Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings to the United Center.

The first leg of the Chicago Blackhawks weekend back-to-back got off to a bad start. Not only did the Hawks fall to the St. Louis Blues 3-2, but Connor Bedard was injured on a late face off. Bedard was cross-checked by Brayden Schenn and immediately went down in pain, grabbing at his shoulder. There aren’t any updates about Bedard’s health at this point, but speculation is running wild and suggests it could be some time without Bedard in the lineup.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings Preview

Now, without Bedard, the Blackhawks will surely have a much different looking lineup. Head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed after Friday’s game that Bedard will at least miss Saturday’s contest, so there is a good chance Frank Nazar gets the call to the top line to try and provide some spark.

A spark is what the Hawks will need against Nazar’s hometown team. The Detroit Red Wings come in hot, competing actively with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins for the top spot in their division. These games are critically important for the Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin-led Wings. In addition, Blackhawks fans will be excited to see DeBrincat and Patrick Kane at the United Center once again.

DeBrincat leads the Wings in scoring with 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists), while Larkin is right behind him with 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists). Kane is also having a respectable season with 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in just 23 games due to some injuries.

Who will step up for the Hawks? Bedard is the clear cut top scorer. Tyler Bertuzzi is having a great season, but he benefits from Bedard’s playmaking ability. Now, Nazar, Andre Burakovsky, and others will have to step up and provide offense.

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Speaking of Jeff Blashill, this is the first time he gets to coach against the Red Wings as a head coach. Blashill served as Red Wings head coach from 2015-22. From there, he joined Jon Cooper’s staff in Tampa Bay prior to getting the bench boss job in Chicago.

How to Watch Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m. CT

TV Channel: CHSN*

Live Stream: ESPN+, CHSN App (in market only), FuboTV (Free Trial Available)

Several streaming and TV options are available for fans looking to watch the Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings game live. The game will air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)* and FDSNDET in their respective markets.

*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.