March 24, 2026 | UBS Arena, Elmont, NY | 7:00 PM ET | MSGSN, ESPN+
The Chicago Blackhawks (26–31–13) travel to Long Island to face the New York Islanders (40–26–5) at UBS Arena tonight, and this is a tough matchup. They’re fighting for a Wild Card spot and playing meaningful hockey. We’re 26–31–13 and playing for Connor Bedard highlights and lottery positioning.
The Islanders have Ilya Sorokin—one of the best goalies in the league with seven shutouts already this season. Bo Horvat provides scoring. Mathew Barzal orchestrates the offense. They’re defensively sound and playing for a playoff spot.
We have Connor Bedard—our franchise savior who’s been spectacular. Tyler Bertuzzi adds scoring. But we’re 26–31–13, giving up 220 goals this season, and struggling on the road.
For Blackhawks fans, this is another chance to watch Bedard compete against a playoff team on the road. Can he solve Sorokin? Will our young core show they’re progressing?
Where the Blackhawks Stand (Still Rebuilding)
Record: 26–31–13 (7th in Central Division)
We’re having another rough season, but that’s the plan. Rebuild around Connor Bedard. Let the young guys develop. Stockpile picks. Bedard’s been everything we hoped for—elite playmaking, highlight-reel goals, franchise-changing talent.
Key Players:
- Connor Bedard (C): Our franchise centerpiece, living up to the hype with elite scoring
- Tyler Bertuzzi (W): Veteran scorer providing secondary offense
- Spencer Knight (G): Getting the start tonight against Sorokin
The Numbers:
- 180 goals scored (not enough)
- 220 goals allowed (-40 goal differential—terrible)
- 13–15–6 on the road (not good)
The rebuild is real. Bedard is the future. And games like tonight on the road against playoff teams show where we are in the process.
The New York Islanders: Playoff-Bound and Stingy
Record: 40–26–5 (Fighting for Wild Card)
The Islanders are fighting for a playoff spot with defense-first hockey. Ilya Sorokin is having an elite season with seven shutouts. Bo Horvat provides consistent scoring. Mathew Barzal makes plays.
Key Players:
- Ilya Sorokin (G): Elite goaltender, seven shutouts, 90.9% save percentage
- Bo Horvat (C): Consistent scorer, averaging 0.59 goals per game
- Mathew Barzal (C): Playmaker who orchestrates the offense
The Numbers:
- 19–11–2 at home (strong at UBS Arena)
- League-leading goaltending with Sorokin
- 14–5–2 when scoring on the power play
- Riding a two-game home win streak including a 1–0 shutout
They’re defensively sound, well-coached, and playing for a playoff spot. This is what competitive hockey looks like.
The Matchups That Matter Tonight
| Position | Blackhawks | Islanders |
|---|---|---|
| Top Forward | Connor Bedard | Bo Horvat |
| Playmaker | Tyler Bertuzzi | Mathew Barzal |
| Goaltender | Spencer Knight | Ilya Sorokin |
Connor Bedard vs Bo Horvat
Bedard has a 45% chance of recording at least one point tonight. Horvat is a consistent scorer who averages 0.59 goals per game. Bedard has the higher upside, but Horvat’s on a playoff team.
Tyler Bertuzzi vs Mathew Barzal
Bertuzzi provides veteran scoring. Barzal is an elite playmaker. Both are crucial to their teams’ success.
Spencer Knight vs Ilya Sorokin in Net
Knight has a forecasted 90.3% save percentage tonight. Sorokin has a 90.9% save percentage this season with seven shutouts. Advantage Islanders.
What the Blackhawks Need to See Tonight
Connor Bedard Solves Sorokin
Sorokin is one of the best goalies in the league. Bedard needs to find a way to beat him. Show creativity, elite playmaking, and prove he can score against elite goaltending.
Spencer Knight Keeps Us in It
Behind our weak defense on the road, Knight needs to make key saves early. If the Islanders jump out to a big lead, this could get ugly.
Generate Offense Against a Stingy Defense
The Islanders play defense-first hockey. We need to find ways to create chances against their system.
Don’t Get Shut Out
Sorokin has seven shutouts this season. At least get one on the board and show we can score against elite goaltending.
Compete for 60 Minutes
The Islanders are fighting for a playoff spot. We’re playing for development. But compete for a full 60 minutes on the road.
What New York Will Bring
Ilya Sorokin will be elite in net, making key saves and possibly shutting us out. Bo Horvat will look for his scoring chances. Mathew Barzal will create plays. The UBS Arena crowd will be loud.
The Islanders’ playoff urgency and defensive system will test us on the road.
Blackhawks Fan Prediction: We Compete, But Fall Short
Final Score: Islanders 3, Blackhawks 1
Connor Bedard scores a gorgeous goal, showing why he’s our franchise savior. Tyler Bertuzzi adds some chances.
But Ilya Sorokin is elite, making 30+ saves and nearly shutting us out. Bo Horvat scores twice. Mathew Barzal adds one. The Islanders’ defensive system and Sorokin’s goaltending dominate.
Two-goal loss on the road. We compete, but they’re the playoff team and it shows.
Why This Game Matters
We’re rebuilding. The playoffs are years away. But games like this show where Connor Bedard is in his development.
Can Bedard solve an elite goalie like Sorokin? Will our young core compete against a playoff team on the road?
The Islanders are fighting for a playoff spot with elite goaltending and defensive hockey. We’re hoping Bedard develops into a superstar.
Let’s Go Hawk!!!
The post Blackhawks vs Islanders Prediction Game Today March 24: Bedard Takes on Sorokin on Long Island appeared first on UrbanMatter.
