Most Blackhawks home games to start at 7 p.m., not 7:30

All 28 Hawks home games in 2021 will start at 7 p.m. Central time or earlier.

With the division realignment and the change to exclusively intradivision games, the Hawks already knew they would avoid late starts. All of their opponents are in the Eastern or Central time zone.

But the NHL’s game-time announcement came with the news that even the Hawks’ weeknight home games in Chicago no longer will start at 7:30.

It makes sense, as the extra half-hour primarily was designed to accommodate fans stuck in rush-hour traffic. With no fans in attendance, the Hawks will align with the NHL’s typical custom of starting most games at 7 p.m. local time.

The Hawks still will play three games at 7:30 p.m., but all three are at the Stars (Feb. 9, March 9 and March 11).

The Hawks also will play five matinees: Jan. 24 against the Red Wings (11:30 a.m.), Feb. 7 at the Stars (2 p.m.), March 7 against the Lightning (1:30 p.m.) and April 3 and April 4 at the Predators (2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively).

The full schedule, with all times local — meaning away games at Detroit, Columbus, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida are listed in Eastern Time — is below: