Overview
- Chicago enters the game on a five‑game skid, having been outscored 21–9 over that span.
- Morning‑skate changes for the Blackhawks included Nick Foligno out with an undisclosed injury, Landon Slaggert returning, Tyler Bertuzzi rejoining Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar on the top line, Ryan Donato moving up, and Oliver Moore sliding to the fourth line.
- San Jose sits just outside a playoff spot despite ranking last in shot‑attempt and expected‑goal shares, buoyed by high finishing and elite production from Macklin Celebrini.
- Celebrini is pacing a Hart‑caliber season at 1.49 points per game, and Yaroslav Askarov was listed as the likely Sharks starter with a .890 save percentage in 33 games.
- Former Blackhawk Philipp Kurashev makes his first United Center return with San Jose, as the NHL’s Olympic break trade freeze begins Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and runs through Feb. 22.