The Chicago Blackhawks are hitting the road for a two-game swing through Minnesota and Pittsburgh, and there’s a lot riding on this trip - both on the ice and off it. After spending most of January at home, the Hawks are back on the move, and this time, they’re bringing some special guests along for the ride. It’s the team’s annual Moms’ Trip, a tradition that not only brings a little extra energy to the locker room but also serves as a reminder of the people who helped these players get to the NHL in the first place.
But beyond the warm fuzzies, there’s plenty of business to take care of. The Blackhawks are still very much in the mix for a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, sitting five points out as they begin this road stretch. And with the playoff race tightening, every shift - and every roster decision - matters that much more.
Teräväinen Trending Toward Return
One of the biggest storylines heading into the weekend is the potential return of veteran forward Teuvo Teräväinen. Out since January 12 with an upper-body injury, Teräväinen has missed the last six games - a stretch during which the Blackhawks’ offense has sputtered.
But there’s good news: Teräväinen was back at practice in a regular red jersey, shedding the non-contact gray he’d been wearing. That’s a strong indicator he’s close to returning, and head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed as much, saying, “I anticipate that, but until tomorrow, I’ll kind of reserve total judgment. But he’s definitely trending towards playing tomorrow.”
If Teräväinen does return against the Wild, it couldn’t come at a better time. Chicago’s power play has been ice cold - 0-for-17 over their last seven games - and their overall offensive production hasn’t been much better.
They’ve scored just 12 goals in that same stretch, including four games with only one goal. That’s where Teräväinen’s playmaking could make a real difference.
He’s the kind of player who can slow the game down, make the right pass, and open up space for others - exactly what this team has been missing.
Lardis Heads Back to Rockford
Of course, when one player returns, another has to make room. That’s the nature of roster management in the NHL, and the Blackhawks made the call to send Nick Lardis back to the Rockford IceHogs.
Lardis was recalled back on December 13 following Connor Bedard’s shoulder injury, and he made the most of his opportunity. In 21 games, the 20-year-old forward notched five goals and added seven points, including two points in his last three games.
It’s never easy to send down a young player who’s been contributing, but this move is more about development than performance. Blashill has been clear about his approach with young talent - he’d rather have them playing big minutes in Rockford than sitting in the press box in Chicago.
“You know, I think that’s a good thing, number one, to have tough roster decisions,” Blashill said earlier in the week. “Certainly, we are mindful of the long-term development of some of the young players. And so, you know, we’re trying to put guys in positions that they can succeed.”
Lardis is expected to play in the AHL All-Star Game alongside defenseman Kevin Korchinski on February 10, and there’s little doubt he’ll be back in a Blackhawks sweater before long. Blashill praised Lardis’ growth, saying, “I think he’s done a good job.
He’s done a solid job… I thought he got more confident. So, I think he’s done a good job of making a first impression [on] the coaching staff.”
A Special Trip for the Moms
While the Blackhawks are focused on picking up points, this trip has an added layer of meaning with the players’ moms tagging along. It’s a chance for them to see firsthand what life on the road looks like for their sons - from morning skates to team dinners to the grind of back-to-back games.
Defenseman Alex Vlasic summed it up perfectly: “I just think spending time with your mom and doing what you would normally do on like, a game day routine or on a practice routine, having your mom be there to see it and to experience it with you is pretty cool… We are super lucky. We stay in nice hotels.
We get good food. So for her to be able to experience that as well is pretty special.”
Blashill echoed that sentiment, calling the moms’ trip “a unique” and “awesome” opportunity to share the NHL experience with the people who helped make it possible.
“It kind of breaks up the monotony of the year a little bit, too,” he added. “To have the moms here, it’s great.
It should be a fun trip. And then, you know, obviously we’re going [on the trip] to win two games against good teams, and so that’ll be the normal challenge.”
Crunch Time in the West
The Blackhawks have gone 2-1-1 in their last four games, showing signs of life as they try to claw their way into the playoff picture. But after a tough 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on January 25, there’s no margin for error. Every game matters, and this two-game trip could be pivotal.
With Teräväinen on the verge of returning, Lardis continuing his development in Rockford, and the added energy of the moms’ trip, the Blackhawks are hoping this road swing provides the spark they need - both on the scoreboard and in the locker room.
It’s a defining stretch for a young team still finding its identity. And with a playoff spot within reach, the time to make a push is now.