Chicago Blackhawks vs. Game Preview: December 29, 2025
As the Chicago Blackhawks prepare for their upcoming game on December 29, 2025, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, several player highlights and statistics stand out. This game will be significant as it marks the Penguins’ last road match of the calendar year.
Key Player Insights
- Kris Letang: With 10 points in his last 14 matches, Letang is just two points away from his 20-point milestone for the 18th time in his career. Achieving this would make him the 15th defenseman in NHL history with 18 or more 20-point seasons.
- Bryan Rust: Rust has tallied 12 points in 13 games against Chicago, maintaining a streak of four consecutive games with points (2 goals, 3 assists). This season, he has accumulated 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) so far, ranking second on the Penguins.
- Erik Karlsson: Karlsson has made an impact as well, contributing 11 points in December alone (2 goals, 9 assists). Historically, he has recorded 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) in 25 games against the Blackhawks.
Crosby’s Exceptional Performance
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is having a standout season with 40 points (22 goals, 18 assists) in road games during 2025. Currently, he is tied for seventh in the NHL with 20 goals. Additionally, Crosby’s eight power-play goals tie him for sixth in the league in this category this season.
Upcoming Game Significance
This game against the Blackhawks not only concludes Pittsburgh’s road schedule for 2025 but also serves as a vital step towards optimizing NHL standings. Crosby is poised to tie Gordie Howe for the ninth-most road points in NHL history with just one more point.
Prospects Update
On the prospect front, two Penguins players, Harrison Brunicke and Will Horcoff, have been selected to represent their national teams at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Brunicke has made a notable contribution with the Penguins this season, while Horcoff leads his collegiate team with 19 goals.
Conclusion
The December 29 matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins promises to be an exciting event for fans and players alike. With pivotal records and milestones at stake, both teams will aim to capitalize on their strengths heading into the new year.
