The Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks square off in a preseason battle on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, and here’s everything you need to tune in. The puck drops at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT for Chicago).
In the U.S., fans in the Chicago market can watch on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), while out-of-market viewers can stream on ESPN+. In Detroit markets, fans should check FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (formerly Bally Sports Detroit) for regional coverage. Detroit may also stream some preseason games via DetroitRedWings.com and the Red Wings mobile app (though these streams may be region-locked to Michigan or Northwest Ohio).
Canadian viewers should check ESPN+ or applicable national / regional NHL broadcast partners (depending on your province and cable/streaming provider).
This preseason contest is notable not only because of the historic rivalry between Detroit and Chicago, but also because both teams are working on integrating new pieces and testing their depth ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Last season (2024-25), the Blackhawks were among the weaker teams in the league, with a negative SRS rating of –0.82 (ranking 31st of 32). Detroit’s 2024-25 campaign was more middling; they were not among the top elite squads, but were in a competitive position among rebuilding franchises. Heading into this preseason game, Detroit sits at 2-2-0, while Chicago is 2-1-0.
In terms of betting odds, the line is “DET –110 O/U 5.5”. That suggests a fairly even matchup in terms of moneyline, and a modest scoring expectation from the over/under slate. My prediction is Detroit 3, Chicago 2 — a close one, with Detroit edging out a win thanks to deeper offense.
While preseason results don’t always translate to regular-season success, games like this are great for previewing breakout candidates, rookies cracking the lineup, and lines that might carry into October.
Looking ahead, if you want to catch Detroit Red Wings games on TV, follow the FanDuel Sports Network Detroit announcements, check ESPN+ for national simulcasts, and monitor regional sports networks. For Chicago Blackhawks, most local coverage will come via CHSN / CHSN App, with out-of-market streaming via ESPN+.
For the 2025-26 season, you can also look up NHL player point projections (for example, projecting stars like Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Connor Bedard) to help in your online hockey pools or fantasy contests. Speaking of which — be sure to visit my website’s online hockey pool for cash prizes where you can compete based on preseason and regular-season performances.
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