TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (31-17-0) AT CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (21-29-0) Preview CHICAGO (Interstat) — The surging Tampa Bay Lightning, winners of eight of their last 10, visit the struggling Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Friday night in a matchup of teams trending in opposite directions. The Lightning (31-17-0) enter on a three-game win streak following a 4-1 victory over San Jose on Tuesday. Chicago (21-29-0) snapped a three-game skid with a shootout win in Carolina on Thursday. A key player to watch will be Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel, who is riding a hot streak. The winger has recorded points in nine of his last 10 games, tallying seven goals and nine assists in that span. He is coming off a two-goal, one-assist performance against the Sharks. For the Blackhawks, Ilya Mikheyev has been a bright spot, contributing a goal and an assist in Thursday’s win. He has five points in his last five games. The teams last met on Oct. 23, 2025, with Chicago earning a 3-2 road victory. The Lightning, however, have been dominant recently, boasting a league-best +28 goal differential since Dec. 31. Chicago has been outscored 98-78 at home this season. According to National Statistical, the Lightning are heavy favorites with a 74.5% probability to win. Their game simulator projects a 5-2 Tampa Bay victory. The game marks the start of a back-to-back for both clubs. Tampa Bay travels to Columbus on Saturday, while Chicago hosts Florida on Sunday. Projected Lines (Based on Recent Games): Lightning: Hagel is expected to skate on the top line with center Jake Guentzel, who had a goal and an assist Tuesday. Anthony Cirelli, who also had a goal and an assist against San Jose, centers the second unit. Blackhawks: Mikheyev is likely to feature on a top line, while goaltender Spencer Knight, who made 28 saves in the win over Carolina, could get the start again. Injury Report: Both teams’ injury reports will be updated following morning skates. Puck Drop: 7:30 p.m. CST at United Center, Chicago.