Golden Knights host the Blackhawks to begin 2026 season

The Vegas Golden Knights are set to kick off their season at home against the Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, the Golden Knights had a strong performance with a 39-26-17 overall record and a 27-16-9 record at home, achieving a 24.5% success rate on power plays. In contrast, the Blackhawks ended their previous season with a 29-39-14 overall record and struggled on the road with a 15-20-6 record, allowing an average of 3.3 goals per game while scoring 2.6. Notably, the Blackhawks will be without Connor Bedard due to a shoulder injury. This matchup marks the beginning of a new season for both teams, with the Golden Knights favored to win. QUESTION: How might the absence of a key player like Connor Bedard impact the Blackhawks’ performance in their season opener against the Golden Knights?