Blackhawks Prep for Hurricanes, Eyes on Burakovsky for Team Sweden
The Chicago Blackhawks are back on the ice this morning for practice before boarding a flight to Carolina, where they’ll face the Hurricanes tomorrow night. As the team gets ready for the road tilt, there’s some anticipation around the status of Frank Nazar - whether he’s ready to return to the lineup - and a potential Teuvo Teravainen reunion sighting on the other side.
Could Injuries Open a Door for Burakovsky at the Olympics?
A wave of injuries to key Swedish players might just open the door for another Blackhawk to punch a ticket to the Winter Olympics. Sweden’s roster has taken a hit lately, with William Nylander, Gabriel Landeskog, Erik Karlsson, Leo Carlsson, Joel Eriksson Ek, Victor Hedman, and Jonas Brodin all dealing with injuries. According to reports out of Sweden, Carlsson’s injury is serious enough to rule him out of the tournament entirely.
Depending on how many of those names are ultimately unable to suit up, Andre Burakovsky could be in line for a call. He’s no stranger to international play, having represented Sweden at the 2013 World Junior Championship and both the 2015 and 2024 World Championships. Other names in the mix for injury replacement include Mikael Backlund (Calgary), William Eklund (San Jose), and Marcus Johansson (Minnesota), but Burakovsky’s experience and recent form could give him a strong case.
Bedard on the Captaincy Question
Connor Bedard recently spoke with reporters about Jonathan Toews’ return to Chicago, and naturally, the conversation turned to leadership. Bedard had some thoughtful comments about the idea of one day wearing the captain’s “C” for the Blackhawks.
While nothing is imminent, there’s a growing sense around the organization and fanbase that it’s not a question of if Bedard becomes captain - it’s when. The 18-year-old continues to carry himself with a maturity beyond his years, and the leadership traits are already showing through.
This Day in Blackhawks History
A couple of noteworthy moments from Jan. 21 in Blackhawks lore:
- 1981: Tony Esposito etched his name into the record books with his eighth consecutive win, leading the Hawks to a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
- 1999: Jocelyn Thibault faced his former team, the Canadiens, for the first time since being traded to Chicago. He made it count, stopping all 33 shots for his 10th career shutout in a 3-0 win.
- 2001: A bit of NHL history was made when the Blackhawks and Penguins faced off in the first-ever game featuring European-born head coaches on both benches. Ivan Hlinka’s Penguins got the better of Alpo Suhonen’s Blackhawks that night, with Garth Snow pitching his 12th career shutout in a 4-0 win.
Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call - Jan. 21
Celebrating birthdays today: Ulf Dahlen, Andre Zyuzin, Burke Henry, Andreas Englund, and Kirby Dach.
Around the NHL
Ullmark Speaks Out on Mental Health
Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark broke his silence after taking a personal leave of absence, speaking candidly with TSN’s Claire Hanna. Ullmark, who has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, addressed both his own journey and the false rumors that swirled in his absence. It was a meaningful moment in a league that’s increasingly recognizing the importance of mental wellness.
Lightning Stay Hot, But Lose Cirelli
The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their winning streak to 14 games with a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. But the victory came with a cost.
Forward Anthony Cirelli - who also happens to be a Canadian Olympian - left the game after scoring a goal and adding an assist. The team didn’t offer specifics on his injury postgame, and head coach Jon Cooper said there was no update yet.
Tampa's next stop? Chicago, for a Friday night showdown at the United Center.
Florida Preps for Another Outdoor Game
The state of Florida is getting ready for its second outdoor game of the season. On February 1, the Lightning will host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Buccaneers, as part of the NHL’s Stadium Series. The transformation is already underway, with the league constructing a climate-controlled tent - 34 feet high, 125 feet wide, and 240 feet long - to ensure the ice surface holds up under the Florida sun.
AHL Nearing New CBA
According to Jeff Marek, the American Hockey League is set to announce a new five-year collective bargaining agreement later today. It’s a significant step for the league as it continues to grow and develop the next wave of NHL talent.
NHL Birthday Roll Call - Jan. 21
A strong lineup of NHL names celebrating birthdays today: Georges Vezina, Moe Mantha, Brian Bradley, Doug Weight, Dany Heatley, Ryan Suter, Jonathan Quick, Darren Helm, Brayden McNabb, Josh Brown, K’Andre Miller, Calum Ritchie, and Ryan Leonard.
From Olympic roster shakeups to outdoor showdowns in the Sunshine State, the hockey world is buzzing. And in Chicago, all eyes are on Bedard’s rise, Burakovsky’s Olympic hopes, and a team looking to find its rhythm heading into Carolina.