NHL – Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning – Match Preview
After a brutal, high scoring series against the Philadelphia Flyers, the NHL champion Chicago Blackhawks will usher in a brand new season of hockey in an exhibition match in Winnipeg. Scheduled for September 22 in the MTS Centre, the Blackhawks will play the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This is an especially rewarding honor for Blackhawks Centre Jonathan Toews, who hails from Winnipeg. Winnipeg was once the home to the Jets, who relocated to Arizona and were rebranded as the sports betting favorites, Phoenix Coyotes. Since the departure, local hockey fans have seen their hockey arena hosting occasional exhibition matches. Winnipeg has regularly been the home of special exhibition NHL matches, having hosted seven such events since 1997.
Winnipeg hockey lovers are expected to turn out in droves to support their beloved sport. In their only meeting last season, the Blackhawks were defeated by Tampa Bay 4-3 in an overtime match in front of over 11,000 fans.
Tickets to the event will be available beginning on June 19th in a special three-pack offer. Along with access to the exhibition match, two additional tickets to Manitoba Moose games will be included. These tickets will be redeemable for any home games taking place in either October or November.