The Tampa Bay Lightning (1-3-2) host the Chicago Blackhawks (3-2-2) as a part of Thursday's NHL action, starting at 6:45 p.m. ET at Benchmark International Arena and broadcast on ESPN+. The Lightning are 16th in the Eastern Conference (4 points), and the Blackhawks are sixth in the Western Conference (8 points).
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Lightning vs. Blackhawks: Oct. 23 Viewing Options
- Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
- How to watch on TV: ESPN+
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Venue: Benchmark International Arena
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
Lightning's 2025-26 Stats
| Stat | Per-Game Average | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 2.67 | 23rd |
| Goals Allowed | 3.5 | 26th |
| Shots | 23.3 | 31st |
| Shots Allowed | 31 | 28th |
| Power Play % | 25% | 9th |
| Penalty Kill % | 90.48% | 4th |
Blackhawks' 2025-26 Stats
| Stat | Per-Game Average | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 3.14 | 13th |
| Goals Allowed | 2.43 | 7th |
| Shots | 24.4 | 29th |
| Shots Allowed | 31.1 | 29th |
| Power Play % | 18.18% | 21st |
| Penalty Kill % | 81.82% | 13th |
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Lightning vs. Blackhawks Top Players
Lightning
- Jake Guentzel has been imperative to Tampa Bay's offense this season, registering six points in six games.
- Victor Hedman is another of Tampa Bay's top contributors currently with five total points (zero goals and five assists) to his name.
- Through six games, Brayden Point has proven himself as another option for Tampa Bay. He has five points (two goals and three assists).
- Across four games played, Andrei Vasilevskiy has a goaltending record of 0-2-2. During those games, he's allowed 14 goals while recording 107 saves.
Blackhawks
- Frank Nazar's seven points make him a pivotal offensive option for Chicago. He has three goals and four assists in seven games.
- Connor Bedard has scored seven total points (1.0 per game) this campaign. He has two goals and five assists.
- Teuvo Teravainen is a crucial player on offense for Chicago with one goal and five assists.
- Spencer Knight is 2-2-1 in five games this season, conceding 10 goals (2.0 goals against average) with 149 saves and a .937 save percentage (sixth-best in the league).
Lightning vs. Blackhawks Injury Report
Lightning
Nicholas Paul: Out (Upper Body),
Max Crozier: Out (Undisclosed),
Zemgus Girgensons: Out (Undisclosed)
Blackhawks
Shea Weber: Out (Ankle),
Laurent Brossoit: Out (Hip),
Jason Dickinson: Day-To-Day (Undisclosed)
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Lightning's Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Score | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/14/2025 | Capitals | L 3-2 | Away |
| 10/17/2025 | Red Wings | L 2-1 | Away |
| 10/18/2025 | Blue Jackets | L 3-2 | Away |
| 10/23/2025 | Blackhawks | - | Home |
| 10/25/2025 | Ducks | - | Home |
| 10/26/2025 | Golden Knights | - | Home |
| 10/28/2025 | Predators | - | Away |
Blackhawks' Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Score | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/15/2025 | Blues | W 8-3 | Away |
| 10/17/2025 | Canucks | L 3-2 | Home |
| 10/19/2025 | Ducks | W 2-1 | Home |
| 10/23/2025 | Lightning | - | Away |
| 10/26/2025 | Kings | - | Home |
| 10/28/2025 | Senators | - | Home |
| 10/30/2025 | Jets | - | Away |