The Friday night lights of the NHL don’t get much brighter than this. On Friday, January 23, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning roll into the Windy City to clash with Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. If you are looking for how to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks game on TV, you’ve come to the right place.
This matchup at the United Center features two franchises in very different phases—Tampa Bay continuing their dominance in the Atlantic Division and Chicago fighting for respectability in the Central. With the Lightning boasting one of the league’s most potent offenses and the Blackhawks fielding young phenoms, this game promises speed, skill, and plenty of highlights.
Game Time and Broadcast Information
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM EST (6:00 PM CST, 4:00 PM PST)
Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
How to Watch on TV (USA): American hockey fans can catch this national broadcast exclusively on ESPN. It is also available via ESPN Unlimited. If you have cut the cord, you can stream the game on ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Orange package), YouTube TV, or Fubo.
How to Watch on TV (Canada): For viewers north of the border, the game is available for streaming on Sportsnet+. Canadian fans should check their local listings for Sportsnet or TSN channels, as national US games are frequently simulcast.
Team Records and Season Overview
The Tampa Bay Lightning enter this contest with a stellar record of 31-13-4 (66 points), sitting comfortably near the top of the league standings. They are coming off a convincing 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, where they controlled the pace and showed why they are Cup contenders.
The Chicago Blackhawks have had a more turbulent 2025-26 campaign, currently sitting at 20-22-7 (47 points). They face a grueling schedule spot, playing on the second half of a back-to-back after hosting the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. Fatigue could be a major factor for the home team against a rested Lightning squad.
Leading Scorers and Key Players (2025-26)
Tampa Bay Lightning:
- Nikita Kucherov: The Hart Trophy contender continues to dazzle with 73 points (24 goals, 49 assists) in just 44 games.
- Jake Guentzel: proving to be a massive acquisition, he has posted 51 points (22 goals, 29 assists).
- Brandon Hagel: A consistent threat with 46 points (25 goals).
Chicago Blackhawks:
- Connor Bedard: Despite missing time with a shoulder injury earlier this season, the young superstar leads his team with 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists).
- Tyler Bertuzzi: Finding his groove in Chicago with 37 points (24 goals).
- Frank Nazar: Recently activated from IR, he adds much-needed speed down the middle.
Injury Report
Tampa Bay: The Lightning are dealing with a significant blow to their forward depth. Center Anthony Cirelli is questionable to doubtful after suffering an upper-body injury from “friendly fire” (a shot from teammate Brandon Hagel) in the win against San Jose. On the bright side, defensemen Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh have been spotted skating and could be nearing a return.
Chicago: The Blackhawks are without Teuvo Teravainen (upper body), who is expected to remain out. Andre Burakovsky is day-to-day with an illness. However, the return of Frank Nazar this week provides a massive boost to their center depth.
Game Prediction and Betting Insight
I have been watching the lines move all week, and the bookmakers clearly favor the road team. Tampa Bay is a heavy favorite at -265, with the Over/Under set at 5.5 goals.
Personally, I think the schedule makers did Chicago no favors here. Playing a high-octane Carolina team on Thursday and then facing a rested, elite Tampa Bay squad on Friday is a recipe for disaster. Tampa’s power play, led by Kucherov, should feast on a tired Blackhawks penalty kill. While Connor Bedard is always liable to create magic, the depth of the Lightning is simply too much.
My Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning win 5-2. I’m hammering the Over 5.5 (-110) because both teams have offensive firepower, and fatigue often leads to defensive breakdowns.
Finding More NHL Action
If you are having trouble finding the Tampa Bay Lightning on TV today or need the full Chicago Blackhawks TV schedule for the rest of the month, be sure to bookmark our league schedule page. We also track the NHL point leaders 2025-26 season daily so you can keep an eye on the Art Ross race. Don’t forget to join our online hockey pool for cash prizes on my website—it’s the best way to test your knowledge against other fans!
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