Blackhawks Catch Their Breath After Grueling Stretch, Eye Matchup with Sharks and Celebrini
After a whirlwind two weeks that saw them play six games in just nine days, the Chicago Blackhawks finally got a breather over the weekend. Now, with just two games left before the Olympic break, they’re looking to regroup and refocus-starting with a marquee matchup Monday night at the United Center.
That game? It’s the first head-to-head showdown this season between Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, as the San Jose Sharks come to town. Two of the league’s most exciting young stars will share the ice, and while both teams are still in the early stages of rebuilding, the individual talent on display should be worth the price of admission alone.
The Blackhawks will hit the ice Monday morning for their skate, and that’s when we’ll get a better sense of how they’re setting up for this one. But one thing’s already clear: they’ll likely be without their captain.
Foligno Doubtful, Ice Time in Question
Nick Foligno was present at practice Sunday at Fifth Third Arena, but he didn’t participate in line rushes. The veteran forward missed Friday’s game against the Blue Jackets-his former team-with an undisclosed injury. And while he was back on the ice in a limited capacity, head coach Jeff Blashill said Foligno is “doubtful” to suit up against San Jose.
That said, Blashill didn’t officially rule him out, leaving the door slightly ajar. But based on his limited involvement at practice, it’s fair to expect that the Blackhawks will be without their captain for at least one more night.
Prospect Watch: Nestrasil Injured, Lardis Keeps Producing
In the college ranks, there’s concern around 2025 first-round pick Vaclav Nestrasil. The UMass standout left Sunday’s game against UMass-Lowell in the first period after taking a hit from Libor Nemec, who was penalized for interference.
Nestrasil didn’t return, and early indications suggest an upper-body injury. No word yet on the severity, but it’s certainly a situation the Blackhawks will be monitoring closely.
Meanwhile, down in Rockford, Nick Lardis continues to make his presence felt. After a brief stint with the NHL club, Lardis was sent back to the IceHogs last week and wasted no time getting back on the scoresheet.
He notched Rockford’s only goal in a 2-1 loss to the Manitoba Moose on Sunday, giving him 14 tallies on the AHL season. The IceHogs dropped both games over the weekend, but Lardis’ scoring touch remains a bright spot.
Around the League: Stadium Series Delivers Fireworks
The NHL’s Stadium Series game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins was everything you’d want from an outdoor spectacle-and then some. A goalie fight between Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jeremy Swayman stole the show in the second period, marking the first time netminders have thrown punches in an outdoor NHL game. It was a wild, unforgettable moment that had fans buzzing.
The game itself was just as dramatic. After Brandon Hagel opened the scoring 11 seconds in, Boston responded with five straight goals to take a commanding 5-1 lead.
But Tampa Bay wasn’t done. The Lightning clawed their way back and eventually pulled off a stunning 6-5 shootout win, leaving Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy to admit, “that one hurt.”
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper soaked in the win in style, celebrating with a swagger that matched the moment.
Bussi’s Breakthrough, Aho’s OT Heroics, and Landeskog’s Olympic Outlook
In Carolina, goaltender Brandon Bussi continues to make history. He needed just 11 saves in a 2-1 overtime win over the Kings on Sunday, but the real story is his record: Bussi is now 21-3-1 in his first 25 NHL starts, becoming the first goalie in league history to hit 21 wins that quickly. Not bad for a guy who’s still technically finding his footing in the league.
Sebastian Aho played the hero in that one, scoring the overtime winner to extend the Hurricanes’ point streak to eight games. Carolina is quietly heating up as the Olympic break approaches.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, all signs point to Gabriel Landeskog suiting up for Team Sweden at the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympic Games. He hasn’t played for the Avalanche since early January, but his recovery appears to be trending in the right direction. If he’s able to return in time for the tournament, it would be a major boost for Sweden-and a welcome sight for Avs fans eager to see their captain back in action.
Looking Ahead
For the Blackhawks, the focus now shifts to Monday night against San Jose. With the Olympic break looming, it’s a chance to finish this stretch on a high note-and maybe get a glimpse of the league’s future in a Bedard vs. Celebrini showdown that could be the first of many marquee matchups between the two.
No matter what the standings say, there’s still plenty of intrigue left in this Blackhawks season.