Do you believe in miracles? Alright, let’s not go that far. Still, last night was the first time that the Chicago Blackhawks had bested the Minnesota Wild in regulation in over six years, with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Grand Casino Arena. That ended Minnesota’s 19-game point streak against them, which dated back to December 2019.
The Blackhawks successfully held onto their one-goal lead throughout the third period, which they were unable to do in the first two meetings of the season. Minnesota was held to just seven shots on goal and even got out-chanced during the third period.
More in the links for the recap from the season-series finale against Minnesota, plus a preview of the second half of the back-to-back against the Colorado Avalanche.
Also in Blackhawks news, there were some unfortunate injury updates announced from their minor-league affiliate, and Anton Frondell and Djurgarden played the second game of their best-of-three playoff series.
Around the league, Matthew Schaefer recorded his 50th point of the season, the Blue Jackets extended their point streak to 11 games, and Lukas Reichel scored his first goal with the Bruins.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: After failing to sustain late one-goal leads in the first two meetings of the season, the Blackhawks finally finished the job against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. It was also their first regulation win at Grand Casino Arena since November 2017.
Connor Bedard recorded the game-winning goal in the second period against the Wild, which officially gave him the most game-winning tallies by any player before turning 21 in Blackhawks franchise history. It was also Bedard’s 28th goal of the season, which puts him on pace for 41 over the course of an 82-game schedule.
tonight was Connor’s 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹, officially surpassing Jonathan Toews (11) and Bobby Hull (11) for the most by a Blackhawks player age 20 or younger ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vL3WTltric
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 20, 2026
More CHN: It’s a quick turnaround for the Blackhawks, as they face another formidable Central Division opponent for the second time in as many nights on Friday. The Colorado Avalanche come to town for the third and final meeting of the season series.
Two tough injury updates from the Rockford IceHogs on Thursday. First, forward Gavin Hayes, a 2022 third-round pick, is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with an MCL injury, which likely puts an end to his season. Hayes, 21, has 26 points (13G, 13A) in 57 games this year. Additionally, defenseman Taige Harding will be out for 2-3 weeks with a lower-body injury. Harding, 24, has seven points (2G, 5A) in 41 games during his first full season as a professional.
Blackhawks prospect Gavin Hayes will miss 6-8 weeks with a MCL injury, the Rockford IceHogs announce.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) March 19, 2026
In SHL news, top prospect Anton Frondell and Djurgardens dropped Game 2 of their best-of-three first-round playoff series to Malmo on Thursday, falling 2-1. A win-or-go-home Game 3 will take place on Saturday, and should Frondell and Djurgardens lose, he will become available to sign his entry-level contract and join the Blackhawks.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Daily Faceoff: According to recent reports from Frank Seravalli, the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 5. With 14 games left on their schedule, the Blackhawks currently have the fourth-best odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick.
Sportsnet: With his 21st goal of the year on Thursday, 2025 No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record 50 points in a single season. Hall-of-Famer Phil Housley is the only other blueliner to tally 50 points as an 18-year-old. Even more elite company for Schaefer.
ESPN: Make it 11 games in a row with a point for the Columbus Blue Jackets after dusting the New York Rangers 6-3 on Thursday. Adam Fantilli scored twice to help the Jackets vault into third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Boston Hockey Now: After getting traded by both Chicago and Vancouver, Lukas Reichel is now with his third team this season. Reichel made his debut with the Boston Bruins on Thursday and had a terrific showing, scoring his first goal since Oct. 15, when he was still with the Blackhawks, and also adding an assist in a 6-1 win over Winnipeg.
Toronto Hockey Now: The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Thursday that forward Auston Matthews underwent successful MCL knee repair surgery. Matthews expected recovery time is approximately 12 weeks.
The Athletic: Speaking of Matthews, Chris Johnston ponders if the Maple Leafs’ captain has already played his final game with the team.
Detroit Hockey Now: Alex DeBrincat recorded three points to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. DeBrincat netted the game-winning goal with 3:18 remaining in the third period. Detroit now holds possession of the final Wild Card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
ProHockeyRumors: Juuse Saros got banged up during the morning skate ahead of the matchup with the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, so the Nashville Predators were forced to recall Matt Murray from the AHL on an emergency basis. The Predators come to Chicago for a matchup against the Blackhawks on Sunday afternoon and could still be without their No. 1 netminder.
Florida Hockey Now: They did it again. As they did in the past two Stanley Cup Finals, the Florida Panthers took down the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, winning 4-0. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped all 21 shots faced for his fourth shutout of the season. With the win, the Panthers currently own the 11th-fewest points in the NHL, which is significant for the Blackhawks.
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