It wasn’t the prettiest performance by any means, but the Chicago Blackhawks scraped out a point with a 2-1 shootout loss to the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday.
All things considered, the Blackhawks should be happy with that result. Tampa Bay severely outplayed them for most of the game, leading 31-18 in shots on goal and 42-22 in scoring chances. Backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom had one of his best starts in months, which helped extend the team’s point streak to three games.
More in the links for the recap and highlights from a 2-1 shootout loss to the Lightning.
Also in Blackhawks news, Marek Vanacker and Jack Pridham are now the only 30-goal scorers in the Ontario Hockey League. Jonathan Toews was also mic’d up for his first trip back to Chicago as a member of the Winnipeg Jets. You’re going to want to see Toews’ reaction to the standing ovation he received following his video tribute.
Around the league, Mitch Marner returned to Toronto and heard it from the Leafs’ faithful, Owen Tippett’s hat trick lifted the Flyers to a win in Colorado, and Macklin Celebrini scored twice as the Sharks won at home.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: There have been plenty of nights to complain about Arvid Soderblom this season, but Friday wasn’t one of them. Soderblom was the only reason the Chicago Blackhawks came away with a point against the Lightning, stopping 30 of 31 shots and being credited with 2.99 goals saved above expected. He was outstanding, especially in the first two periods, to help Chicago earn a point for a third straight game.
More CHN: The Lightning’s stingy defense got the better of the Blackhawks for most of Friday’s game. Star forward Connor Bedard was held without a shot on goal for just the second time this year, and he only recorded one shot attempt in over 21 minutes of ice time. Chicago’s power play also let them down in the first period, with three chances going unconverted. Here are more takeaways from the 2-1 shootout loss to Tampa Bay.
In the OHL, Marek Vanacker scored his league-leading 32nd and 33rd goals of the season in a 5-4 overtime win for the Brantford Bulldogs. Vanacker is also tied for fifth in the OHL with 55 points. He’s played in just 38 games.
Fellow OHL forward Jack Pridham also found the back of the net on Friday, becoming the second player in the league to reach 30 goals in the 2025-26 campaign. Both are Blackhawks prospects. Pridham also added two assists in a 6-2 win for the Kitchener Rangers. He’s fourth in the league with 56 points through 42 games.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Uhhh… what the heck happened to Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube? When Berube arrived at his presser on Friday morning, he was sporting a black eye and had a severe abrasion across his forehead that required countless stitches. He claimed it was the result of “an accident in the gym”. Berube has always been known as a tough customer, but this looked horrific.
TSN: Speaking of Toronto, former Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner returned to Scotiabank Arena for the first time as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights. After a rather cordial reaction from the crowd during his video tribute, the Leafs faithful showered Marner with boos for most of the game. Marner and his Golden Knights walked out of the building with the last laugh, however, winning 6-3.
Vegas Hockey Now: Hannah Kirkell from VHN breaks down the Golden Knights‘ victory over Marner and the Leafs. Rasmus Andersson tallied an assist in his team debut, while Mark Stone extended his franchise-leading point streak to 14 games.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Evgeni Malkin has danced around the question for months, but now, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward is saying the quiet part out loud. One more year for Geno?
Philly Hockey Now: Owen Tippett had a night to remember, sending the Colorado Avalanche to just their sixth regulation loss of the season. Tippett recorded a hat trick and added an assist in the Philadelphia Flyers‘ 6-3 victory.
San Jose Hockey Now: Macklin Celebrini scored his 25th and 26th goals of the season in the San Jose Sharks‘ 3-1 win over the New York Rangers. Celebrini made some more franchise history, becoming the fastest player to score 50 career goals, doing so in just 120 games.
Winnipeg Jets YouTube: Super cool behind-the-scenes footage was shared of Jonathan Toews’ first trip back to the United Center as a visitor. From his arrival in Chicago, to his video tribute and reaction from the fans, and even some mic’d-up moments throughout the game, it was all documented. It’s definitely worth watching.
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