The Blackhawks are set to face league's 32nd franchise for the first time on Wednesday night, the first of three meetings this season, twice in Seattle and once in Chicago. This will be the Blackhawks first regular-season game in the state of Washington.
Chicago is 16-8-4 all time in their first matchup against an expansion team dating back to 1926 when the Blackhawks joined the league. The Blackhawks have won five of their last six opening contests against expansion teams with their most recent loss coming against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 24, 2017 (4-2). Before that, the Blackhawks had won five straight against Minnesota, Columbus, Atlanta, Nashville and Anaheim.
Tyler Johnson is from Spokane and played for the Chiefs from 2007-2011. He helped the team win the 2008 CHL Memorial Cup and was named the Western Hockey League's Playoff Most Valuable Player.