The Chicago Blackhawks face the New Jersey Devils Tuesday night in a matchup that highlights where both franchises stand. We’re rebuilding around Connor Bedard’s generational talent, while the Devils are loading up for a Stanley Cup run. November 12 brings more than just two points – it’s a measuring stick for how far we’ve come.
Game Information
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2025
Tipoff: TBD
Location: United Center or Prudential Center
League: NHL
Blackhawks: The Bedard Show (Plus Everyone Else)
Our entire season revolves around Connor Bedard, and honestly, we’re fine with that. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick has exceeded even the massive hype, displaying elite vision, a deadly shot, and composure that shouldn’t be possible at his age. He leads the team in points and has instantly become the face of our franchise.
The Problem: Bedard Can’t Do Everything
Here’s the harsh reality – Bedard is spectacular, but he needs help. Our supporting cast has struggled to generate consistent offense, leaving too much on our young star’s shoulders.
Veteran Leadership Hasn’t Translated
Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno provide experience and locker room presence, but injuries and age have limited their on-ice impact. They’re mentoring Bedard well, but we need production, not just leadership.
Young Guns Still Developing
Lukas Reichel and Philipp Kurashev show flashes of brilliance that get us excited, then disappear for stretches. Neither has emerged as the reliable secondary scorer we desperately need.
Defensive Struggles Continue
Seth Jones anchors our blue line and gets paid like a superstar, but the overall defensive structure remains porous. We’re getting caught out of position, giving up odd-man rushes, and leaving Petr Mrazek hung out to dry too often.
Speaking of Mrazek – he’s had solid outings mixed with rough nights. Hard to blame him when our defense keeps breaking down and leaving him facing 2-on-1s and breakaways.
Devils: Built to Compete Right Now
New Jersey represents everything we’re working toward. They’re fast, skilled, deep, and hungry for a Stanley Cup. This is the type of team Bedard will hopefully lead us to become in a few years.
Offensive Firepower Everywhere
Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier form one of the NHL’s most dangerous forward groups. Even when Hughes and Hischier battled injuries earlier this season, the Devils kept scoring thanks to legitimate depth throughout the lineup.
Their pace is relentless. They transition quickly, control possession, and generate high-danger chances in waves. This is exactly the style that exposes our defensive weaknesses.
Mobile Defense That Contributes
Dougie Hamilton leads a defensive corps that can skate, transition quickly, and jump into the offense. Rookie Luke Hughes has added confidence and flair to the blue line while Jonas Siegenthaler and John Marino provide stability.
This is what a contending defense looks like – mobile, active, and capable of both preventing goals and creating offense.
Goaltending: Their One Question Mark
Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid have split starts without either fully claiming the No. 1 role. Against a team like us, that might not matter much. But come playoff time, this becomes their biggest concern.
Against our inconsistent offense, either Devils goalie should have a manageable night.
Key Matchups to Watch
Connor Bedard vs Devils Defense
Bedard’s ability to create space and shoot from anywhere will test New Jersey’s defensive discipline. Expect Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler to shadow him closely, trying to limit his time and space.
This is where Bedard’s supporting cast needs to step up – if the Devils can focus entirely on stopping him, someone else needs to make them pay.
Devils’ Speed vs Our Defensive Structure
New Jersey thrives on quick zone entries, fast transitions, and relentless puck movement. Our slower defensive group will struggle keeping up, especially when they get caught flat-footed.
This matchup heavily favors the Devils unless we can somehow slow the game down and clog neutral ice.
Special Teams Battle
The Devils’ power play ranks among the league’s best, showcasing all that speed and skill with extra space. Our penalty kill has been inconsistent at best, struggling to clear the zone and prevent high-danger chances.
If New Jersey gets multiple power play opportunities, this could get ugly fast. We absolutely cannot take undisciplined penalties.
Blackhawks Fan Perspective
Let’s be real – we’re probably going to lose this game. The Devils are faster, deeper, more experienced, and built to win now. We’re a rebuilding team centered around an 18-year-old phenom who’s still learning to carry an entire franchise.
But you know what? Watching Bedard every night makes this rebuild bearable. He does things that make you jump out of your seat. He’s must-see TV, and he’s ours.
This game represents what we’re building toward. The Devils are what we hope to become – a deep, fast, skilled team that controls games and competes for championships. We’re not there yet, but with Bedard leading the way, the future looks bright.
The question tonight isn’t really “will we win?” It’s “how competitive can we be against a legitimate contender?”
Game Prediction
Final Score: Devils 5, Blackhawks 2
New Jersey’s depth, speed, and overall talent prove too much for us to handle. The Devils dominate possession, generate high-danger chances in bunches, and capitalize on special teams.
Bedard notches a goal and an assist because he’s special, but it’s not enough to overcome the Devils’ balanced attack. Our defensive lapses and lack of secondary scoring doom us.
What We’re Watching For:
Bedard’s performance against elite competition
Whether our young players can contribute beyond him
How badly our defense gets exposed by New Jersey’s speed
If Mrazek can keep us in the game despite limited support
For Blackhawks fans, this is another lesson in patience. We have the cornerstone piece in Bedard. Now we need to surround him with the supporting cast, defensive structure, and goaltending that turns potential into contention.
Enjoy watching 19 skate – even in losses, he makes this rebuild worth following.
Let’s Go Hawks!!!
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