Blackhawks @ Flyers

Who will WIN this matchup?

Chicago Blackhawks

@ Philadelphia Flyers

Starting Goalies:

Corey Crawford (CHI): Confirmed

Carter Hart (PHI): Confirmed

Current odds:

Chicago Blackhawks: (+100)

Philadelphia Flyers: (-120)

• The Chicago Blackhawks begin their season overseas for the first time since 2009-10 on Friday afternoon when they face off against the Philadelphia Flyers in Prague, Czech Republic, as part of the 2019 NHL Global Series. The Blackhawks played a two-game set versus Florida in Helsinki, Finland, a decade ago to begin a season that culminated in their first Stanley Cup in 49 years following a six-game victory over the Flyers. The expectations for both Chicago and Philadelphia might not be as high this season after the clubs failed to make the playoffs in 2018-19 and limped to sixth-place finishes in their respective divisions. Former Hart Trophy recipient Patrick Kane, who Flyers fans know all too well following his Stanley Cup-clinching goal in 2010, joined captain Jonathan Toews and Alex DeBrincat to combine for 120 goals and 147 assists last season for a Blackhawks’ team that was equally as generous at the other end of the ice (NHL second-worst 3.55 goals per game).

• While both teams ventured overseas, Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek essentially came home for this contest as he was born in Kladno, approximately 20 miles west of Prague. “It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m excited that I get to go back and see everybody because it doesn’t happen,” said the 30-year-old, whose 195 goals are the most among active Czech Republic-born players in the league.

• Dylan Strome enjoyed his best season since being selected with the third overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft, as the 22-year-old meshed well with former Erie (Ontario Hockey League) teammate DeBrincat and recorded 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists) in 58 games after being acquired from Arizona. The 21-year-old DeBrincat likely has a smile on his face heading into the Friday’s contest, one day after signing a three-year, $19.2 million contract extension. The Blackhawks addressed their ailing blue line by acquiring Calvin de Haan (Carolina) and Olli Maatta (Pittsburgh) via separate trades in front of Corey Crawford, who has been plagued by groin and concussion-related issues for the better part of the last two seasons.

• Goaltending has long been a sore spot in Philadelphia, although Carter Hart was as good as advertised as he emerged from an eight-player carousel to inspire confidence heading into his second season. Plenty of fresh faces will be at the disposal of new coach Alain Vigneault, with the Flyers making a splash in free agency by signing second-line center Kevin Hayes to a seven-year, $50 million contract and trading for Matt Niskanen from Washington for fellow defenseman Radko Gudas. The addition of Hayes, who tentatively will play alongside Voracek and James van Riemsdyk, gives the Flyers two top lines (captain Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny) to offset a bottom six that leaves a bit to be desired.

• Couturier collected three goals and two assists to help Philadelphia record a two-game season sweep of Chicago in 2018-19.

• Blackhawks D Connor Murphy has been ruled out for the season opener with a groin injury while de Haan could play on Friday despite nursing the same ailment, coach Jeremy Colliton said.

• Flyers C Nolan Patrick, who was the second overall pick of the 2017 NHL Draft, is considered week-to-week as he deals with a migraine disorder.