Blackhawks Hit the Road, Bedard Shines, and Brossoit Watch Begins
After a grueling stretch of eight home games in just 18 days, the Chicago Blackhawks are packing up and heading west. December kicks off with a four-game road trip that starts in Las Vegas, where they’ll face the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights. It’s a big night for more than just the team - goaltender Carter Hart is expected to make his first NHL start since being reinstated, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Bedard Breaks the Skid in Style
Before hitting the road, the Blackhawks wrapped up their homestand with a much-needed win - and it came in dramatic fashion. Connor Bedard put on a show at the United Center, scoring two goals and adding two assists in a 5-3 comeback win over the Anaheim Ducks. The victory snapped a five-game losing streak and reminded everyone just how dynamic the 18-year-old phenom can be when he’s on.
But as electric as Bedard was, he didn’t do it alone. A handful of other Blackhawks stepped up in key moments to help secure the win.
Whether it was timely defensive plays, strong puck movement, or gritty work along the boards, Chicago found a way to play a more complete game - something that’s been missing during their recent slide. The win wasn’t just about ending a skid; it was a glimpse of the potential this young roster has when everything clicks.
Brossoit Back on the Ice - and On the Trade Radar?
There’s also movement in the crease. Goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who’s been sidelined for nearly the entirety of his time in Chicago, has resumed skating and recently took part in his first full practice with the team. That’s a positive sign for a player who’s battled injuries since arriving, but it might also signal something else: change.
Rumors are starting to swirl that Brossoit could be on the move sooner rather than later. With the Blackhawks juggling multiple goaltending options and Carter Hart now back in the mix, Brossoit’s return to health may make him an intriguing trade piece. It’s a situation worth watching closely as the team navigates both the short-term needs of this season and the longer-term vision of their rebuild.
Spellacy Gets the Call to Team USA’s WJC Camp
On the prospect front, forward AJ Spellacy has taken a big step toward representing his country. The former third-round pick was named to the United States’ preliminary roster for the 2026 World Junior Championship, which kicks off later this month in St.
Paul, Minnesota. Spellacy still has to earn his spot on the final roster, but being included in the camp is a strong endorsement of his development.
The 19-year-old brings size, speed, and a physical edge to his game - traits that could serve Team USA well in a high-stakes tournament setting. If he makes the final cut, it’ll be a valuable experience for a player the Blackhawks hope can grow into a future NHL contributor.
Around the NHL: Crosby Dominates (Again), Binnington Boils, and Olympic Ice Drama
Crosby Still Haunting the Flyers
Some things never change.
Sidney Crosby added two more goals to his career tally against the Philadelphia Flyers, leading the Penguins to a 5-1 win. No player in NHL history has more points against the Flyers than Crosby - and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Norris Returns with a Bang
Josh Norris made his return to the Sabres lineup after missing 24 games, and he wasted no time making an impact.
The former first-round pick scored twice and added an assist in a 5-1 win over the Jets. It was Norris’ first game since Buffalo’s season opener back on October 9, and he looked like he hadn’t missed a beat.
Tension in St. Louis
It’s getting tense in the Blues’ locker room. After giving up two quick goals to Anaheim, Jordan Binnington was pulled early by head coach Jim Montgomery - and he was not happy about it.
Binnington exchanged words with Montgomery on his way off the ice, a moment that underscores the growing frustration in St. Louis as the team struggles to find consistency.
Olympic Ice Surface Raises Eyebrows
The 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament is already facing some logistical headaches.
According to Team Canada assistant coach Pete DeBoer, the Olympic rink is reportedly three to four feet narrower than NHL standards - a surprising twist after earlier construction delays. With the tournament just months away, this is the kind of issue that could impact both gameplay and preparation.
San Jose’s Young Guns Step Up
In San Jose, Will Smith dazzled with a pair of highlight-reel goals, and Tyler Toffoli added two of his own in a 6-3 win over the Utah Mammoth. The Sharks are now 13-11-3 and holding onto a wildcard spot - a solid position for a team that’s blending youth and experience in a competitive Pacific Division.
Geekie Staying Humble, But Producing
Boston Bruins forward Morgan Geekie may not see himself on the same level as Nathan MacKinnon - and he said as much in a recent interview - but his play is doing a lot of the talking. Geekie has emerged as a consistent scoring threat this season, proving he can be more than just a depth piece in Boston’s lineup.
As the Blackhawks head west, there’s plenty to keep an eye on - from Bedard’s continued brilliance to the evolving goaltending picture. Add in the buzz around the World Juniors and some league-wide drama, and it’s shaping up to be an eventful start to December.