Blackhawks Enjoy a Breather in Pittsburgh, But the Hockey World Keeps Spinning
The Chicago Blackhawks are taking a well-earned day off in Pittsburgh - and this one’s extra special. It’s the annual moms trip, giving players a chance to share the NHL grind with the women who helped get them here. They’ll be back on the ice tomorrow night against the Penguins, but for now, it’s a moment to breathe, reflect, and reset.
Blackhawks Bits: A Game of Highs and a Frustrating Finish
Last night’s game against the Minnesota Wild had all the makings of a statement win - until it didn’t. The Blackhawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead, showing real cohesion and pace, especially from Connor Bedard’s newly configured line. The first period, in particular, was some of the most fluid hockey we’ve seen from Chicago this season.
But hockey is a three-period game, and the Wild clawed their way back to force overtime, eventually sealing the deal in a shootout. A 3-0 lead that ends in a loss?
That stings, no matter how you spin it. Still, there were encouraging signs - Bedard’s chemistry with his linemates continues to blossom, and the team showed flashes of the offensive creativity they’ve been working to unlock.
Rockford Roundup: Injuries, All-Stars, and a Tough Loss
Down in the AHL, the Rockford IceHogs were back in action but couldn’t get past the Milwaukee Admirals, falling 5-3. Kevin Korchinski continues to impress, notching two assists to bring his season total to 20. Rockford got goals from Dominic Toninato, Rem Pitlick, and Ethan Del Mastro, but they were playing shorthanded from the jump.
Nick Lardis missed the game due to illness, and defenseman Cavan Fitzgerald remained sidelined with a lower-body injury. Things got worse in the second period when goaltender Drew Commesso exited with an upper-body injury and didn’t return. His status moving forward will be one to monitor closely.
On a brighter note, both Lardis and Korchinski will represent Rockford at the upcoming AHL All-Star Classic, set for Feb. 10-11 at the BMO Center. The league unveiled the jerseys for each of the four divisions - a fresh look for one of the AHL’s marquee events.
Trade Winds: Dickinson Drawing Interest
With the NHL trade deadline set for March 6, Jason Dickinson’s name continues to surface in trade chatter. The veteran forward is one of the Blackhawks’ most valuable assets heading into the stretch run.
There’s no shortage of teams looking for a reliable two-way center with playoff experience, and Dickinson fits that mold. Keep an eye on him as the deadline approaches - his versatility and leadership could fetch a solid return.
This Day in Blackhawks History
January 28 has brought some memorable moments in Blackhawks lore:
- In 1943, Max Bentley exploded for a seven-point night - four goals and three assists - in a 10-1 rout of the New York Rangers. All four of his goals came in the third period, with his brother Doug assisting on each one. Talk about family chemistry.
- In 1959, Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay reached a milestone with his 350th career goal in a 3-1 win over the Rangers.
- Just three years later, Glenn Hall notched his 200th career win - and 43rd shutout - in a 3-0 victory, again over the Rangers. Bobby Hull led the offense with a pair of goals.
- In 2012, Patrick Kane stole the show at the NHL All-Star SuperSkills Competition in Ottawa, winning the Breakaway Challenge with a now-iconic Superman goal, aided by Marian Hossa. Showtime, indeed.
Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call - January 28
Happy birthday to a few names from Blackhawks history: Marty Burke, Paul Shmyr, Sean Williams, Colin Fraser, Daniel Carcillo, and Carl Dahlstrom.
Around the NHL: Milestones, Moves, and a Major Injury
The Vancouver Canucks’ season continues to unravel. After parting ways with Quinn Hughes and facing trade rumors around Elias Pettersson, the team delivered another blow: top goaltender Thatcher Demko is done for the year after undergoing season-ending hip surgery. It’s a brutal development for a team already struggling to find its footing.
In Pittsburgh, forward Bryan Rust has been handed a three-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Vancouver’s Brock Boeser. The hit drew scrutiny, and while some feel the punishment was steep, the league’s Department of Player Safety made its stance clear.
Out west, the Colorado Avalanche locked in defenseman Sam Malinski with a four-year, $19 million contract extension. The third-year blueliner has quietly put together a strong campaign with 24 points in 50 games - a solid move for a team looking to keep its blue line intact for the long haul.
Meanwhile, the New York Islanders are staying busy. After acquiring Carson Soucy from the Rangers on Monday, they pulled off another deal Tuesday, sending Maxum Tsyplakov and two draft picks to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for veteran winger Ondrej Palat.
Back-to-back trades with division rivals? The Isles are clearly in go-mode.
In Detroit, the Red Wings dropped a 3-1 decision to the Kings, but the night wasn’t without a silver lining. Patrick Kane picked up an assist on Alex DeBrincat’s goal, tying Mike Modano for the most points by a U.S.-born player with 1,374. It’s a massive milestone for one of the game’s most electrifying American talents.
And in Buffalo, the Sabres continue to be one of the NHL’s best turnaround stories. They beat the Maple Leafs 7-4 last night to notch their fourth straight win, moving into a playoff spot after a tough start to the season.
Captain Rasmus Dahlin led the way with a hat trick - just the fifth by a defenseman this year. But it wasn’t all good news: goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury.
He’s set to be evaluated by team doctors later today.
From historic milestones to injury setbacks, the NHL landscape is shifting fast. And while the Blackhawks take a moment to regroup in Pittsburgh, the rest of the league is reminding us that in hockey, momentum can swing in an instant - and history is always just one play away.