Blackhawks vs. Stars: Projected Lineups for Tonight's Matchup (December 27, 2025)

The Chicago Blackhawks face off against the Dallas Stars tonight at the American Airlines Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST. Here's a look at the projected lineups, considering recent performance and injury reports.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks (13-17-6) are looking to snap a six-game losing streak. The team has struggled to find the back of the net recently, averaging just 1.6 goals per game in their last 10 contests. Several key players are currently sidelined with injuries, impacting the team's offensive capabilities. The Blackhawks did not hold a morning skate.

Here’s the projected Blackhawks lineup:

• Forwards:
  • Tyler Bertuzzi — Jason Dickinson — Ilya Mikheyev
  • Teuvo Teravainen — Ryan Donato — Andre Burakovsky
  • Oliver Moore — Ryan Greene — Nick Lardis
  • Colton Dach — Dominic Toninato — Sam Lafferty
• Defense:
  • Alex Vlasic — Louis Crevier
  • Matt Grzelcyk — Artyom Levshunov
  • Wyatt Kaiser — Connor Murphy
• Goaltenders:
  • Spencer Knight
  • Arvid Soderblom

Scratches: Ethan Del Mastro, Landon Slaggert.

Injuries: The Blackhawks' injury list includes Connor Bedard (upper body), Nick Foligno (hand), and Frank Nazar (facial injury). Forward Landon Slaggert was recalled from the Rockford IceHogs.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars (25-7-6) hold the second-best record in the NHL and are looking to continue their strong performance. The Stars have been dominant, especially on the power play, where they rank first in the league.

Here’s the projected Stars lineup:

• Forwards:
  • Sam Steel — Wyatt Johnston — Mikko Rantanen
  • Jason Robertson — Roope Hintz — Mavrik Bourque
  • Justin Hryckowian — Matt Duchene — Jamie Benn
  • Oskar Back — Radek Faksa — Nathan Bastian
• Defense:
  • Esa Lindell — Miro Heiskanen
  • Thomas Harley — Nils Lundkvist
  • Kyle Capobianco — Alexander Petrovic
• Goaltenders:
  • Jake Oettinger
  • Casey DeSmith

Scratches: Colin Blackwell, Adam Erne.

Injuries: Tyler Seguin (ACL), Lian Bichsel (lower body), and Ilya Lyubushkin (illness) are currently on the injured list for the Stars. Nathan Bastian and Kyle Capobianco are expected to play after being healthy scratches in the previous game. Bastian will replace Erne on the fourth line, while Capobianco will take Lyubushkin's place on the third defensive pairing.

Keys to the Game

For the Blackhawks, a key to success will be overcoming their offensive struggles and finding ways to generate scoring chances despite missing key players like Bedard and Foligno. Goaltending will also be crucial, with Knight and Soderblom needing to provide solid performances to keep the Stars' potent offense in check.

The Stars will aim to capitalize on their offensive depth and power-play efficiency. Strong goaltending from Oettinger will be essential to maintain their lead in the Western Conference standings.

The game will be broadcast on Victory+ and CHSN.