Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and stuffed themselves just as much as I did at dinner last night. Worth it!
It’s a massive day for Chicago sports, as the Bears look to remain atop the NFC North and take down the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles later this afternoon. Then, the Blackhawks try to snap their four-game losing skid tonight against the lowly Nashville Predators. A win would go a long way for both squads.
Since it’s Black Friday, the Blackhawks fittingly will wear their alternate black sweaters for the first time in nearly two decades when they face the Predators at the United Center. It’s the first of seven times the Hawks will rock their alternates this season. Check out the links for the full game preview of tonight’s matchup between Chicago and Nashville.
Also in Blackhawks news, Jeff Blashill was mentioned alongside the best coaches in the NHL this season, and Nick Foligno lost a bet to his younger brother, Marcus, and had to pay the consequences at Thanksgiving dinner.
Around the league, Quinn Hughes spoke amidst recent trade rumors in Vancouver, an update on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ “sale”, and Brady Tkachuk is set to return for the Senators.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: In their last game before Thanksgiving, the Blackhawks outplayed the Minnesota Wild for most of the contest but weren’t able to put an end to their losing streak. Chicago blew leads of 2-1 and 3-2 in the third period en route to a 4-3 overtime loss on home ice. For the second time in less than a week, a controversial call from an official led to the game-winning goal for the opponent.
More CHN: The Blackhawks have a prime opportunity to pick up their first win in over a week when they wear their alternate black sweaters against the Predators on Friday night. They’re also set to have a key forward return to the lineup.
With the Wild taking down the Blackhawks on Wednesday, Nick Foligno lost the bragging rights to his little brother, Marcus. The two also appeared to have a fun wager riding on the outcome, and Nick had to pay up at Thanksgiving dinner. Chicago’s captain was recorded giving a toast in honor of Marcus, where he showered him with compliments. I’m sure those words felt like vinegar coming out of his mouth. Brotherly love.
On Thanksgiving Eve, 16 writers from NHL.com cast their vote on who will end up winning the Jack Adams Award as the best coach in the league. Chicago’s Jeff Blashill was among the top five, along with Joel Quenneville (ANA), Dan Muse (PIT), Marco Sturm (BOS), and Jared Bednar (COL). The Blackhawks’ new bench boss has done a remarkable job so far in his first year with the team.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
NHL.com: “Daddy’s Back”. Brady Tkachuk is set to return to the Ottawa Senators lineup on Thursday after missing 20 games with a thumb injury. Tkachuk will play for the Senators as they visit St. Louis, his hometown, for a matinee matchup on Black Friday.
Sportsnet: Amidst all the ongoing trade speculation involving the Vancouver Canucks, captain Quinn Hughes is trying to focus on what he can control. Hughes says he’s committed to his current team and just wants to win.
Florida Hockey Now: Speaking of the Tkachuks, Matthew mentioned on his “Wingmen” podcast with his brother that he’s resumed skating for the first time since the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup. That’s promising.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There are conflicting reports regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ sale. Last week, a Penguins radio host with ties to the organization claimed the sale to the Hoffman Group was off.
Montreal Hockey Now: After adding Alexander Texier, the Montreal Canadiens still felt inclined to bring in another forward. The Habs claimed Sammy Blais off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.
Vegas Golden Knights: It’s been a mediocre start to the season for the Vegas Golden Knights, but here are three things to be thankful for.
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