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5 Blackhawks games we’re most looking forward to in 2018-19

By Connor Ulrey

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 11: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins hits Brandon Saad #20 of the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at the United Center on March 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 11: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins hits Brandon Saad #20 of the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at the United Center on March 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – APRIL 04: St. Louis Blues’ Brayden Schenn, right, is congratulated after scoring a goal by Alex Pietrangelo, center, and Vince Dunn, left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game between the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks on April 4, 2018, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – APRIL 04: St. Louis Blues’ Brayden Schenn, right, is congratulated after scoring a goal by Alex Pietrangelo, center, and Vince Dunn, left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game between the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks on April 4, 2018, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. October 13 vs. St Louis

The Blues. The biggest divisional rival of the past few years. All respect to Nashville — and we’ll talk about the Predators shortly — but the Blues have been the go-to matchup of the past. The Blackhawks had dominated this matchup, including a pair of playoff wins, before losing in Game 7 of the first round in 2016 to the Blues.

The October 13 tilt marks the first Central matchup at home for the Blackhawks. After struggles last season in the division overall, what better place to start than with a win over that team from St. Louis?

The two face off back-to-back Saturdays, first in St. Louis and then in Chicago in two of three meetings in October. The fourth and final of the regular season isn’t until April; what a gap!

These teams don’t like each other, plain and simple. It’s the Central Division. Four teams made the playoffs from one of if not the toughest division in hockey in 2017-18 and I wouldn’t expect different in 2018-19. The Blues are shifting gears and have been for a couple years. After missing the playoffs barely last season, they’ll be looking to get off to a hot start at home, especially against an old foe.

The Blackhawks have a chance to get an early edge in the division which is key when you have so many teams vying for spots in the big dance.

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