The Chicago Blackhawks announced their complete television broadcast schedule for the 2017-18 season Wednesday. WGN and NBC Sports Chicago will be handling the local coverage in addition to national games broadcast on NBC and NBC Sports Network. Comcast SportsNet Chicago is being rebranded as NBC Sports Chicago, effective Oct. 2.
The Blackhawks open their season Oct. 5 against the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center, then welcome back forward Artemi Panarin and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 7 before hitting the road.
NBC Sports Chicago and WGN will have local broadcasts for 70 games, while NBCSN will exclusively broadcast the remaining 12 games.