What a miraculous Saturday night for Chicago Sports. First, the Blackhawks blanked the Nashville Predators 3-0 behind a 36-save shutout from Drew Commesso. Of course, the Bears pulled off another epic comeback against their bitter rivals, the Green Bay Packers, to advance in the NFL Playoffs. Then, even the Cubs got in on the fun, signing third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year contract.
Sunday was a much-needed off day for many in the city. That includes the Blackhawks, who’ve been battling a stomach bug that’s run rampant in the locker room recently. The day off hopefully helped them get healthier as a team ahead of tonight’s matchup with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
Based on a roster move made Sunday afternoon, it appears that could be the case. Three players were reassigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL, including two goaltenders.
Around the league, Alex Ovechkin reached the 20-goal marker yet again, Dougie Hamilton’s trade value, and the latest on the Olympic ice conditions in Milan.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
After dealing with a slew of illnesses in their two games over the weekend, it appears the Blackhawks are expecting several players to return on Monday against the Oilers. Kevin Korchinski, Drew Commesso, and Stanislav Berezhnoy were all returned to Rockford on Sunday.
Neither Spencer Knight nor Arvid Soderblom was able to suit up on Friday or Saturday, leaving Commesso to get the start in both games. Commesso had a shaky performance in a quick turnaround against Washington, but impressively responded with his first NHL shutout the following night.
But now that he and Berezhnoy are back in the AHL, Knight and Soderblom are set to return as the NHL tandem on Monday.
Korchinski getting sent back down also likely means that Louis Crevier, who missed both games over the weekend, is feeling better and should play versus Edmonton.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Chris Johnston went across the pond to inspect Santagiulia Arena, where the NHL players are set to play in the Winter Olympics in less than one month. From construction zone chaos, to player facility complaints, and even a hole on the ice during the testing event, here were Johnson’s takeaways from the trip.
NHL.com: Alex Ovechkin kicked off the scoring for the Washington Capitals on Sunday against the Nashville Predators. It was his 20th goal of the season, and he’s now hit the 20-goal marker in each of his 21 NHL campaigns. Gordie Howe holds the record for most consecutive 20-goal seasons, having accomplished the feat 21 years in a row.
Fox Sports: On the other side of the coin, Steven Stamkos scored his 601st career NHL goal to help the Predators come back and beat the Capitals 3-2. Stamkos tied Jari Kurri for 21st on the all-time goals list with his 601st tally. Roman Josi also recorded three points in Nashville’s win.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins bombarded the Boston Bruins, and allowed just eight shots in the final 40 minutes, but never got the goal they so desperately needed, losing 1-0 at TD Garden. Dan Kingerski from PHN has the takeaways.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Defenseman Dougie Hamilton was a healthy scratch for the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, signaling that he’s no longer part of the future plans. Hamilton also reportedly nixed a trade to the San Jose Sharks over the summer. So, where does Hamilton’s trade value sit?
Toronto Sun: As the Maple Leafs await official word on the future of defenceman Chris Tanev, the temptation for general manager Brad Treliving to add to his blue line will grow. There are rumblings that Tanev could miss the entire season, and Toronto might need to add another right-handed shot.
Vegas Hockey Now: Tomas Hertl totaled a career-high five points in the Vegas Golden Knights‘ 7-2 thrashing of the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Noah Hanifin also had multi-point performances.
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