Forget that the Blackhawks upset the Oilers in the playoffs last season. Chicago is in full rebuild mode. The Blackhawks are going to be especially vulnerable early in the year as they try to develop an identity and learn to play without injured center Jonathan Toews, their captain for the last 13 seasons.
The defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning want to make an early statement. There's an urgency for them with the long-delayed season reduced to 56 regular season games. They can't screw around with a loss to such a lightly-regarded foe.  
Tampa Bay has beaten Chicago in eight of the last nine meetings. The Lightning won't be taking the Blackhawks lightly either after Chicago stunned Edmoton in the postseason. The Blackhawks lack the goaltending, power play and center depth minus Toews and Kirby Dach to hang close to Tampa Bay.