Blackhawks Searching for Simplicity After Another Tough Loss
The Chicago Blackhawks are back on the ice for practice today, trying to shake off another frustrating loss-this time to the Boston Bruins. It’s been a rough stretch, and the team knows it.
At their best this season, the Blackhawks have found success by sticking to a straightforward, structured game: clean breakouts, smart puck management, and responsible positioning. But lately, that identity’s gone a bit off-script-and the results are showing it.
Last night’s loss was another example of what happens when the team strays from what works. The Bruins capitalized on mistakes, and Chicago couldn’t generate enough sustained pressure to claw back. The team will need to tighten things up quickly if they want to get back on track.
IceHogs Outshoot, But Fall Short
It wasn’t much better down in Rockford. The IceHogs dropped a 5-2 decision to the Chicago Wolves despite outshooting them 38-18.
That kind of shot differential usually spells success, but Wolves goalie Cayden Primeau had other plans, outdueling Owen Flores in net. Rem Pitlick and Kevin Lombardi found the back of the net for Rockford, with assists from Gavin Hayes and AHL All-Star Kevin Korchinski.
The IceHogs get a quick chance at redemption with a rematch against the Wolves this afternoon in Rockford. Keep an eye on whether Drew Commesso returns after missing the last two games due to illness.
Frondell Shines Overseas
While the Blackhawks struggled at home, prospect Anton Frondell was making headlines across the Atlantic. With former Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger in Chicago for the team’s Banner Years celebration, his protégé delivered a highlight-reel breakaway goal in Sweden.
Frondell now has 12 goals and 18 points in 28 games for Djurgårdens IF. Since returning from the World Juniors-where he helped Sweden win gold-he’s put up two goals and three points in just three SHL games.
The confidence is clearly carrying over.
Kantserov Brings the Fire
Roman Kantserov continues to show he’s more than just a sniper. Known for his scoring touch, Kantserov showed off a different side of his game with a thunderous hit on Admiral captain Nikita Soshnikov.
It was a physical statement from a player whose offensive game already speaks volumes. No penalty was called on the play, and it’s clear Kantserov is adding layers to his game that could translate well at the NHL level.
Vanacker Hits 30 in the OHL
Over in the Ontario Hockey League, Marek Vanacker hit a major milestone. The Brantford Bulldogs forward became the first OHL player this season to hit the 30-goal mark, scoring in a 5-2 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.
He also picked up an assist on Caleb Malhotra’s first-period goal. Parker Holmes notched the game-winner-his fifth of the season-continuing to show why the Blackhawks used a fourth-round pick on him in 2025.
Vanacker’s production is turning heads, and he’s quickly becoming one of the more intriguing names in Chicago’s prospect pipeline.
Bedard Shows Bears Pride
Connor Bedard may be the face of the Blackhawks, but last night he was all in on the city’s football fever. The rookie phenom was spotted rocking an orange Caleb Williams jersey at the United Center, showing his support for the Chicago Bears as they gear up to face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round.
The winner of that game will take on the Seattle Seahawks for a shot at the Super Bowl. Bedard’s gesture was a fun nod to the city’s sports unity-and a reminder that even hockey stars get caught up in playoff football.
Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call - Jan. 18
A few names to celebrate today: Radim Bicanek, Ryan Carpenter, and Ian Mitchell all share a birthday on January 18.
Around the NHL: Milestones, Returns, and Trade Watch
Blues Welcome Back Holloway
The St. Louis Blues are getting a key piece back as Dylan Holloway rejoins the lineup for their upcoming road trip. Holloway had missed the last 15 games with a high ankle sprain, but his return should provide a boost as the Blues look to stay competitive in the playoff race.
Draisaitl on Leave for Family Matter
The Edmonton Oilers will be without Leon Draisaitl for a few games as the star forward tends to a family illness in Germany. Draisaitl’s been on a tear this season-25 goals and 67 points in 48 games-but his absence didn’t slow the Oilers down last night.
Edmonton exploded for six goals in the second period en route to a 6-0 blowout win over the Vancouver Canucks. That kind of offensive depth is exactly what they’ll need while Draisaitl is away.
Zibanejad Makes Rangers History
Saturday’s 6-3 win over the Flyers was a big one for the New York Rangers, and an even bigger one for Mika Zibanejad. The veteran center recorded his 10th career hat trick, and his second goal of the game was historic-it marked his 117th power-play goal, setting a new franchise record. The win also marked head coach Mike Sullivan’s 500th career victory, making him the 30th coach in NHL history to hit that milestone.
Andersson’s Emotional Night in Calgary
Rasmus Andersson was visibly emotional after the Calgary Flames’ 4-2 win over the New York Islanders. The defenseman high-fived every teammate before leaving the ice-possibly for the last time in Calgary.
Trade talks are heating up, and the Bruins are reportedly leading the race to acquire him. The Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs are also believed to be in the mix.
If this was Andersson’s farewell, he went out with a strong performance and a heartfelt goodbye.
NHL Birthday Roll Call - Jan. 18
A packed list of NHL birthdays today: Syl Apps, Jere Gillis, Mike Blaisdell, Mark Messier, Dean Kennedy, Andrew McBain, Brian Gionta, Ruslan Fedotenko, Alex Pietrangelo, Pheonix Copley, Kaiden Guhle, and Tyson Foerster.
The Blackhawks may be struggling to find their rhythm, but across the organization-and the hockey world-there’s no shortage of storylines. Whether it’s prospects lighting it up overseas, milestone moments in the NHL, or a city rallying behind its teams, there’s always something brewing on the ice.