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Gameday preview: Blackhawks wrap up road trip in Anaheim with Bedard vs. Ducks and McTavish showdown

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Sam Walker
December 7, 2025 (3:10 PM)

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Chicago hits the ice Sunday looking to close a four-game road swing on a high note as the Chicago Blackhawks face the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. The Hawks are 12-10-6 on the season, while Anaheim sits 17-10-1 atop the Pacific Division.

Chicago enters having already beaten Anaheim twice this season, including a gutsy 5-3 comeback from a 3-0 deficit.

The momentum counts, especially with star winger Connor Bedard riding a hot streak; he has 16 career points (3G, 13A) in eight games vs. Anaheim-more than against any other single opponent in his young career.

Bedard and McTavish exchanged blows in their last meeting, adding some tension to Sunday's face-off.

But Chicago is coming off a rough outing. They were blanked 6-0 by the Los Angeles Kings Saturday night, surrendering six second-period and third-period goals after a scoreless first.

That loss exposed some defensive holes and poor execution-something they'll need to clean up fast.

With injuries on the roster, Chicago's forward lines may look different. Veteran forward Teuvo Teravainen took a puck to the face last game and is listed as questionable. If he sits, expect benchings and lineup shifts.

Bedard leads Blackhawks into Anaheim

Chicago's penalty kill has quietly been a strength lately, successfully killing 40 of their last 45 penalties (all-time kill rate creeping toward 84.5%), which could be a critical factor if Anaheim draws power plays.

Bedard and the young core know Anaheim well and have shown they can strike early and often. Still, after the Kings' drubbing, this game will test Chicago's resilience and structural discipline.

If they lock things down defensively and get timely scoring, a third straight win over Anaheim seems possible.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Team Canada weighing controversial roster decision between Connor Bedard and Capitals powerforward

Analyst narrows 2026 Winter Olympics picks - only 3 of 7 hopefuls make the cut

Blackhawks show ultimate class to Kings' Anze Kopitar after 6-0 loss Saturday

POLL
DECEMBRE 7 \| 69 ANSWERS Gameday preview: Blackhawks wrap up road trip in Anaheim with Bedard vs. Ducks and McTavish showdown Do you think the Blackhawks can beat the Ducks again tonight?
Yes, win again	30	43.5 %
No, Ducks snap streak	32	46.4 %
Maybe, overtime	5	7.2 %
Not sure	2	2.9 %
List of polls

Gameday preview: Blackhawks wrap up road trip in Anaheim with Bedard vs. Ducks and McTavish showdown

Chicago hits the ice Sunday looking to close a four-game road swing on a high note as the Chicago Blackhawks face the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. The Hawks are 12-10-6 on the season, while Anaheim sits 17-10-1 atop the Pacific Division.

Bedard leads Blackhawks into Anaheim

Do you think the Blackhawks can beat the Ducks again tonight?