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Blackhawks vs. Kraken: Game Preview, Lineups, and How to Watch (April 4, 2026)

2 months agoUS
Blackhawks vs. Kraken: Game Preview, Lineups, and How to Watch (April 4, 2026)Source: nhl.com
The Chicago Blackhawks continue their road trip against the Seattle Kraken on April 4, 2026. This game marks the final meeting between the two teams this season. Blackhawks aim to build for the future, while the Kraken fight for a playoff spot.

Key Insights

Connor Bedard Nearing Milestone:: Bedard is three points shy of 200 for his NHL career.

Blackhawks Penalty Kill Success:: The Blackhawks lead the NHL in penalty kill percentage (86.3%) over their last 20 road games.

Kraken's Playoff Push:: Seattle is just outside the playoff picture and needs to jump multiple teams to secure a spot.

Offensive Depth for Seattle:: The Kraken have eight players with 30 or more points and 10 with double-digit goals, showcasing their balanced attack.

Why this matters: For Blackhawks fans, seeing young stars like Bedard progress is a key focus. For Kraken fans, every game is crucial in their uphill battle for a playoff berth. The game provides an opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and areas for improvement as they look towards the future.

In-Depth Analysis

Blackhawks Focus on Development

The Blackhawks are focused on developing their young talent and building for future success. Key players are gaining experience in important roles.

Kraken's Playoff Hopes

The Seattle Kraken are fighting to stay in the playoff race, relying on their depth and goaltending to secure wins. Their recent struggles have made their path to the postseason more challenging.

Projected Lineups

Blackhawks:

Greene - Bedard - Lardis

Bertuzzi - Frondell - Mikheyev

Donato - Nazar - Greene

Slaggert - Boisvert - Burakovsky

Vlasic - Rinzel

Kaiser - Crevier

Korchinski - Del Mastro

Soderblom (Likely Starter)

Kraken (Projected):

McCann - Beniers - Eberle

McMann - Stephenson - Kakko

Catton - Gaudreau - Schwartz

Tolvanen - Fisker Molgaard - Melanson

Dunn - Larsson

Evans - Montour

Oleksiak - Lindgren

Grubauer or Daccord

How to Watch

The game will be broadcast on CHSN (Chicago) and ESPN+ (Out-of-market). Streaming is available on ESPN+ with a Fubo account. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM CT.

FAQs

Is Nick Lardis playing for the Blackhawks?

Yes, Nick Lardis is expected to play after being on the ice during the morning skate.

What are the Blackhawks' penalty kill stats on the road?

The Blackhawks have an 86.3% penalty kill percentage on the road over their last 20 games, leading the NHL in that span.

Are the Kraken in playoff contention?

The Kraken are currently outside the playoff picture and need to make up ground to secure a spot.

Key Takeaways

Connor Bedard is approaching a significant career milestone, showcasing his importance to the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks' strong penalty kill is a positive aspect of their road game performance.

The Kraken's depth is a key strength, but they need a standout star to consistently compete at a higher level.

This game is crucial for the Kraken's playoff aspirations and an opportunity for the Blackhawks to develop their young players.

Discussion

Do you think Bedard will reach 200 career points this season? Share your predictions below!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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