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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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LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 07: (l-r) Nicklas Backstrom #19 and Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skate in celebration after their team defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 07: (l-r) Nicklas Backstrom #19 and Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skate in celebration after their team defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

1. January 20 vs. Washington

One of two matchups with the defending Cup champs, this one at home. January always feels like an underrated important hockey month. It’s just deep enough into the season that wins mean that much more and just early enough that you can find the kinks in the line pairings and make necessary changes.

This marks the first time Ovechkin has come into Chicago, or any city for that matter, a Conn Smythe winner and Cup champion. What’s it like playing one of the best scorers in league history when he’s finally hit that next level? I don’t even know.

These out-of-division matchups are also very important at home. All games are, but if you struggle at any point in division, finding a way to win otherwise can make up for a slump.

The best thing about the two matchups between these two last season is that neither were remotely close. In their December matchup in Washington, the Capitals won 6-2 and the Blackhawks responded with a one-up of their own in February with a 7-1 win at the United Center. Will we see similar against the Cup champs in 2018-19?

Next: 25 most insane things people have ever done with the Stanley Cup

The Blackhawks’ schedule is full of fun matchups home and away. Will the Madhouse be rocking for most of the year? Will this year be different? Leave comments below on what you think of the schedule and what you expect from the Blackhawks in 2018-19!

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