The United Center will host an intriguing matchup on March 23, 2025, as the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Philadelphia Flyers at 2 PM CT. Both teams are currently mired in losing streaks, making this game crucial for their hopes of turning their seasons around.
The Blackhawks, with an abysmal record of 20-41-9, are riding a seven-game losing streak. Their latest defeat came at the hands of the St. Louis Blues on March 22, where they succumbed to a 4-1 loss. Throughout this downturn, the Blackhawks have been outscored 23-6 at 5-on-5, raising concerns about their defensive capabilities. Interim head coach Anders Sorensen is under pressure to improve the team’s fortunes, especially as they find themselves perilously close to the bottom of the NHL standings.
In the previous meeting between these two teams in November 2024, the Flyers narrowly triumphed over Chicago with a 3-2 overtime victory, a game which saw young superstar Matvei Michkov score the decisive goal. This second meeting on March 23 marks an opportunity for the Blackhawks to exact some revenge while trying to stop the bleeding from their current slide.
The Flyers, currently at 28-34-9 and sitting with 65 points in the standings, are not faring much better, having won just one of their last ten games (1-8-1). Their latest outing was a narrow overtime loss to the Dallas Stars, compounding their troubles with yet another defeat. Travis Konecny, the Flyers’ leading scorer, snapped a frustrating 13-game goal drought during that match, scoring his 23rd goal of the season in an effort to rally his teammates.
Both teams feature rising stars: Connor Bedard has emerged as the focal point of the Blackhawks’ future with 54 points this season, while Michkov aims to build on his promising start. The matchup between these two 2023 top-seven draft picks has drawn significant attention. In the previous game, Bedard was held scoreless, while Michkov scored the overtime winner. Will Bedard rise to the occasion this time and level the playing field?
As they approach this crucial game, the Blackhawks must overcome substantial challenges. Missing players will include defenseman Alec Martinez and forward Jason Dickinson due to injuries, which further complicates their lineup. New additions Philipp Kurashev and Louis Crevier are expected to fill the gaps left by their injured teammates.
The Blackhawks need to bolster their offensive strategy, aiming to generate more high-danger chances. Their defense has struggled, consistently allowing opponents to capitalize on opportunities, and they need to push back against the Flyers’ scoring threats like Konecny and Michkov. Coach Sorensen has called for heightened compete levels from his players, a tall order given their current form.
The Flyers, meanwhile, face a similar hurdle. Their offensive capabilities have drawn criticism, evidenced by their poor performances throughout the month of March. Their lack of scoring depth—particularly highlighted by a subpar shooting percentage of 7.14—has left the team reliant on a few key players to step up. Philadelphia's offense has been limited to rush chances that often fizzle out, handing the puck back to their opponents.
Despite these struggles, the Flyers possess a game plan focused on exploiting open areas on the ice. They employ a 2-1-2 offensive zone pressure system, which could provide them with the opportunities they need to strike against Chicago's vulnerable defense. Identifying high-danger chances will be essential for both teams in this matchup.
The special teams stats are also telling. The Blackhawks hold a solid power play percentage at 24.8%, which places them 8th in the league, while the Flyers face challenges, ranking 30th with just 13.9%. This statistic underscores the urgency for the Flyers to capitalize on their chances when given the opportunity.
Looking at the goaltending matchup, Spencer Knight will start for Chicago after a less-than-stellar outing earlier in the season. He provided subpar results against the Flyers when he was with the Florida Panthers, which raises questions about whether he can improve this time out. Neil Sadler is expected to be in net for Philadelphia.
Fans will be tuned in across multiple platforms, including Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), NHL Network, and ESPN+. The stakes are high, as each team seeks to put an end to their respective slumps, and the outcome may have significant ramifications for the standings and future strategies.
The original meeting between Bedard and Michkov raised anticipation for today’s game, setting the stage for an exciting display of young talent. Can Bedard score his first goal against Michkov and lead the Blackhawks away from their worrying descent? Or will the Flyers, spurred by Konecny’s return to form, find their offensive rhythm against a beleaguered Blackhawks defense?
The intensity of this face-off at the United Center should provide a captivating narrative amid the backdrop of two struggling teams fighting for relevance in a long NHL season.
