Blackhawks Vs Stars: Projected Lineup and How To Watch Game 63
Sunday at 7: 00 p. m. ET, the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Dallas Stars in a Game 63 matchup that follows Chicago’s loss to the Vancouver Canucks and arrives as Dallas rides a 9-0-1 surge — a timing that leaves the Stars eyeing two points while the Central Division’s top teams face each other the same day. The blackhawks vs stars meeting matters now because Dallas can use the head-to-head opportunity to gain ground in a tight race if the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche split their matchup.
Blackhawks Vs Stars: Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goaltenders
The Blackhawks appear set to deploy the Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar and Oliver Moore trio down the middle again, while Ryan Donato is listed as the fourth-line center. In practice Donato skated with Landon Slaggert and Sam Lafferty on the wings, but Chicago called up Nick Lardis from the Rockford IceHogs after practice and he is expected to dress; Sam Lafferty has been scratched for most of the season and is likely to sit.
Chicago used an 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment in the previous game, with Ethan Del Mastro serving as the extra defenseman. Spencer Knight fell ill on Friday afternoon, forcing an emergency backup behind Arvid Soderblom. The team called up Drew Commesso on Saturday before leaving for Dallas.
Dallas Stars Hot Streak and Missing Rantanen
Dallas arrives unbeaten in nine of its last ten games with a 9-0-1 run; the lone loss during that stretch came in a shootout against the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars have depth across age groups and lines, and while their best forward, Mikko Rantanen, is out after suffering an injury while representing Team Finland in Milano Cortina, Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene are counted on to sustain the offense.
Defensively the Stars lean on Olympians Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell and Thomas Harley, with Jake Oettinger regarded as the No. 1 netminder and Casey DeSmith serving as a dependable backup. That balance has helped Dallas post a 38-14-10 record this season.
They’ve met twice this season, both games ending 4-3 in Chicago’s favor, and this will be their last matchup of the 2025-26 campaign — presenting Chicago the chance to complete a season sweep in the three-game series.
Blashill on Facing Stars and Team Response
Head Coach Jeff Blashill discussed new leadership roles on the team and the attributes he looks for ahead of facing Dallas on Sunday. Chicago hopes its recent line adjustments and the addition of Lardis will translate into a stronger showing after the defeat to Vancouver; the Blackhawks have tended to elevate their play against tougher opponents this season.
For Dallas, sustaining the current pace without Rantanen will require secondary scorers to step up; for Chicago, the matchup is an opportunity to build momentum and potentially sweep the season series.
Puck drop is Sunday at 7: 00 p. m. ET. If the Wild and Avalanche result that day creates an opening in the Central Division, Dallas can use a win over Chicago to gain ground immediately.
