After playing eight home games in 18 days, the Chicago Blackhawks kick off December with a four-game West Coast road trip. The trip begins with a matchup in Sin City against the Golden Knights on Tuesday, where goaltender Carter Hart is expected to make his first NHL start since being reinstated.
Make sure to be on the lookout for CHN’s Game Day Preview later this afternoon for a preview, projected lineups, and more on the matchup.
Also in Blackhawks news, a former third-round pick was named to Team USA’s World Juniors preliminary roster, and the latest rumblings on goaltender Laurent Brossoit.
Around the league, Josh Norris had an impactful return to the Sabres’ lineup, Sidney Crosby torched the Flyers once again, and an update on the Olympic ice.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: ICYMI, Connor Bedard tallied two goals and two assists in the Blackhawks’ 5-3 come-from-behind win over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. The five-game losing streak ended dramatically at the United Center.
More CHN: While Bedard rightfully received all the attention, he wasn’t the only player who made key contributions in the comeback victory over the Ducks. Here are 10 observations from the Blackhawks’ first win in nearly two weeks.
More CHN: In the last two weeks, goaltender Laurent Brossoit has finally resumed skating and participated in his first practice as a member of the Blackhawks. Brossoit has been sidelined for nearly all of his tenure with Chicago, but the latest rumors suggest he’ll be on the move in the not-so-distant future.
In prospects news, AJ Spellacy was named to the United States’ preliminary roster for the 2026 World Junior Championship, which begins in just over three weeks in St. Paul, Minnesota. Spellacy still has work to do to make the final roster, but the 19-year-old forward is one step closer to wearing the Red, White, and Blue later this month.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: The arena situation for the 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament has been less than ideal. Now, things are sounding even worse. According to Team Canada’s assistant coach, Pete DeBoer, the Olympic ice surface is somehow three or four feet smaller than NHL rink standards. First construction delays, now this?
The Athletic: Turmoil brewing in St. Louis. After allowing two quick goals to the Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington was pulled by head coach Jim Montgomery. Binnington was clearly frustrated by being yanked so soon, as he was seen barking at Montgomery as he exited towards the locker room. What a shame (Jerry Seinfeld GIF).
NHL.com: After missing 24 games due to injury, Josh Norris had a massive return to help the Buffalo Sabres take down the Winnipeg Jets. Norris scored twice and added an assist to steer the Sabres to a 5-1 win at home. The former first-round pick hadn’t played since Buffalo’s season opener on Oct. 9.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: No one has quite tormented the Philadelphia Flyers like Sidney Crosby has throughout his long and successful career. Crosby scored twice against the State Rival to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-1 win on Monday. No player in NHL history has as many points against the Flyers as Crosby does.
San Jose Hockey Now: Will Smith scored two dazzling goals, while Tyler Toffoli also found the back of the net two times in a 6-3 win over the Utah Mammoth. The San Jose Sharks are now 13-11-3 on the season and currently sit in a wildcard playoff spot.
Boston Hockey Now: Tied with Nathan MacKinnon for the most goals in the NHL is Boston Bruins forward Morgan Geekie. In a recent interview, Geekie said he feels that MacKinnon is still in a different caliber than he is. However, Geekie has proved to be an elite goalscorer himself, whether he wants to admit it or not.
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