There might be a curse on the Chicago Blackhawks whenever they face the Minnesota Wild. That’s possibly the only explanation for having now lost 17 of the last 18 meetings between the two teams since 2019, including two in heartbreaking fashion this season.
Much like the first matchup in late November, the Blackhawks jumped out to a multi-goal lead on Tuesday, only for the Wild to fight back and level the score before the end of regulation. Kirill Kaprizov, who recorded the overtime winner at the United Center two months ago, came away with the deciding goal once again, as he was the only player to score in the shootout.
More in the links for the highlights and a recap from the Blackhawks’ unacceptable 4-3 shootout loss at Grand Casino Arena. They still haven’t won in that building since 2019.
Also in Blackhawks news, the new-look top line featuring both Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar clicked, while minor-league goaltender Drew Commesso suffered an upper-body injury in the Rockford IceHogs loss on Tuesday.
Around the league, the New York Islanders traded with a division rival for the second day in a row, Patrick Kane closed in on NHL history, and Bryan Rust received a three-game suspension.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: Such a promising start gone to waste. After jumping ahead 3-0 and being in complete control, the Chicago Blackhawks surrendered three unanswered goals in regulation and eventually fell 4-3 to the Minnesota Wild in the shootout. Three failed power-play chances late in the game, including one in overtime, came back to bite Chicago.
More CHN: While it was undoubtedly a disastrous defeat, there were plenty of silver linings from the Blackhawks’ performance in Minnesota. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar seemed to click in their first look together on the top line, while the defense held the Wild to only eight high-danger chances and 23 shots on goal. This team isn’t interested in moral victories; however, there was plenty to hold their hat on from Tuesday.
In prospect news, it was also a night to forget for the minor-league affiliate Rockford IceHogs. Nick Lardis, who was assigned to the AHL on Monday, wasn’t able to suit up due to an illness. Then, to make matters worse, goaltender Drew Commesso was forced to leave the game in the second period with an upper-body injury, and he did not return. The IceHogs ended up losing 5-3 to the Milwaukee Admirals.
Drew Commesso will not return to tonight’s game with an upper body injury.
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 28, 2026
Blackhawks’ 2024 third-round pick Jack Pridham recorded two assists in the Kitchener Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Sarnia Sting on Tuesday. Pridham is now one of five players in the OHL with 60 points on the season. He’s tallied eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points over the last eight games.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: The NHL’s sellers are selling. With the Olympic break on the horizon, teams are starting to make moves to prepare for the home stretch of the season. Chris Johnston provided his trade board 5.0 on Tuesday, where three Blackhawks’ skaters are among the 40 players listed.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Speaking of trades, the New York Islanders were involved in a deal with one of their division rivals for a second consecutive day. The New Jersey Devils sent veteran forward Ondrej Palat to Long Island in exchange for Maxim Tsyplaklov. James Nichols from NJHN breaks down what the move means for New Jersey.
Detroit Hockey Now: Fittingly, with an assist on a goal from Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane officially tied Mike Modano for the most points ever recorded by a U.S.-born player. Kane’s next point will make him the most productive American in NHL history. However, with the feat coming in a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, neither Kane nor his teammates had the same level of joy as when he recently joined the 500-goal club.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Pittsburgh Penguins top-line winger Bryan Rust has been suspended for three games after an illegal check to the head of Brock Boeser during Sunday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Rust is now set to miss the Pens’ upcoming homestand, which includes a game against the Blackhawks on Thursday.
ESPN: From bad to worse for the Vancouver Canucks. The NHL’s last-place team will now be without its starting goaltender for the remainder of the season, as Thatcher Demko, a former Vezina Trophy finalist, suffered a hip injury that will require surgery.
NHL.com: Rasmus Dahlin recorded the first hat trick of his NHL career and added two assists for a five-point night, helping the Buffalo Sabres remain red hot. Mattias Samuelsson also recorded three assists in Buffalo’s 7-4 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche are keeping Sam Malinki for the foreseeable future. The team announced on Tuesday that the 27-year-old defenseman signed a four-year contract extension, carrying a $4.75 million cap hit. Malinski was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Boston Hockey Now: Amidst a slew of injuries for Sweden’s Olympic roster, Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm was named to the team on Tuesday morning. The veteran defenseman will replace Jonas Brodin, who’s currently out with a lower-body injury.
Florida Hockey Now: Don’t look now, but the Florida Panthers are starting to get closer to full strength. Matthew Tkachuk has returned from injury, and now captain Aleksander Barkov has resumed skating just three months after having reconstructive knee surgery.
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