The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight, December 28, 2025, at the United Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST. Here's a look at the projected lineups for both teams.

Pittsburgh Penguins (15-12-9)

The Penguins enter tonight's game with a record of 15-12-9. They are looking to rebound after a 6-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the Christmas break. Prior to the break, the Penguins struggled, going 1-4-0 in their last five games, averaging just 2.2 goals per game while allowing a concerning 4.6 goals per game. Sidney Crosby continues to lead the team with 38 points (20 goals, 18 assists) in 36 games. Bryan Rust follows with 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 34 games.

Here's the projected lineup for the Penguins:

• Forwards:
  • Rickard Rakell — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust
  • Anthony Mantha – Thomas Novak — Justin Brazeau
  • Ville Koivunen — Ben Kindel — Rutger McGroarty
  • Connor Dewar — Blake Lizotte — Noel Acciari
• Defense:
  • Parker Wotherspoon — Erik Karlsson
  • Brett Kulak — Kris Letang
  • Ryan Shea — Jack St. Ivany
• Goalies:
  • Arturs Silovs
  • Stuart Skinner

Blake Lizotte is a game-time decision after recovering from an undisclosed injury sustained on December 7th. Evgeni Malkin remains out with an upper-body injury and has missed the last 11 games. Other players who are scratched include Danton Heinen, Ryan Graves, Connor Clifton and Kevin Hayes. Caleb Jones (lower body) and Filip Hallander (blood clot) are also injured. Arturs Silovs is expected to start in goal.

Chicago Blackhawks (14-17-6)

The Blackhawks come into the game with a 14-17-6 record. They recently snapped a six-game losing streak with a 4-3 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars. In their last five games, they went 1-4-0, averaging 2.4 goals per game and allowing 3.8.

Here's the projected lineup for the Blackhawks:

• Forwards:
  • Tyler Bertuzzi — Jason Dickinson — Landon Slaggert
  • Teuvo Teravainen — Ryan Donato — Andre Burakovsky
  • Oliver Moore — Ryan Greene — Ilya Mikheyev
  • Nick Lardis — Colton Dach — Sam Lafferty
• Defense:
  • Alex Vlasic — Louis Crevier
  • Matt Grzelcyk — Artyom Levshunov
  • Wyatt Kaiser — Connor Murphy
• Goalies:
  • Spencer Knight
  • Arvid Soderblom

Connor Bedard is out with an upper-body injury, while Nick Foligno is sidelined with a hand injury. Frank Nazar is also out with a facial injury. Ethan Del Mastro and Dominic Toninato are expected to be scratched. Ilya Mikheyev may return to the lineup after missing Saturday's game for family reasons. Spencer Knight is the expected starter in goal.

Keys to the Game

For the Penguins, a strong start and improved defensive play will be crucial after struggling in those areas recently. Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust need to continue their offensive production. For the Blackhawks, building off their recent win and getting solid goaltending from Spencer Knight will be essential. They will also need to find ways to generate offense without Connor Bedard in the lineup.