The Chicago Blackhawks’ mom’s trip didn’t involve nearly as much fun as they had hoped. After losing a heartbreaker in Minnesota to begin the quick two-game roadie, where the poor mothers witnessed a 3-0 lead turn into a 4-3 shootout loss, the Blackhawks were throttled 6-2 by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
Two players who surely wished their moms weren’t watching were Wyatt Kaiser and Artyom Levshunov, as the defensive pairing had a night to forget at PPG Paints Arena. Kaiser and Levshunov were on the ice for each of the four Penguins’ goals in the second period, and five of the six scored in the game.
Head coach Jeff Blashill didn’t mince words about Levshunov’s performance, or the lack of compete from his team against Pittsburgh. More in the links for the recap and takeaways from a lopsided loss.
Around the league, Patrick Kane overtook Mike Modano for the U.S. all-time scoring record, news dropped regarding the 2027 Stadium Series, and a list of suitors interested in Artemi Panarin was released.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: The second period hasn’t given the Chicago Blackhawks fits in a while, but it sure did on Thursday. The defensive structure completely collapsed in the period, as the Penguins recorded 25 shots on goal and 26 scoring chances in the second ALONE. The game quickly spiraled out of hand, leading to a 6-2 loss in Pittsburgh.
More CHN: It’s been a struggle for 20-year-old defenseman Artyom Levshunov recently, and the Blackhawks might have reached a boiling point on Thursday. Levshunov finished with a minus-five rating, and his defense was lousy all night long. Could Levshunov be heading back to the minor leagues soon? Also lost in the shuffle, captain Nick Foligno suffered an injury early in the game. From bad to worse in the Steel City.
More CHN: ICYMI, three Blackhawks were among the 40 players listed by Chris Johnston in his latest trade board 5.0. Will there be any trades from GM Kyle Davidson before the Olympic break next week?
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Johnston and Harman Dayal broke down 10 under-the-radar NHL trade candidates ahead of this year’s deadline. The list includes one former Blackhawk and one former No. 1 overall pick.
Detroit Hockey Now: The big news of the night, Patrick Kane officially surpassed Mike Modano to become the leading point scorer among all American-born players in NHL history. Kane recorded the secondary assist on Ben Chiarot’s game-tying goal near the midway point of the second period, earning his 1,375th career point. After accomplishing the feat, the Red Wings showed a video on the Jumbotron of Modano congratulating Kane and thanking him for his influence on hockey in the United States. The greatest American to ever do it!
More DHN: In the video shown on the Jumbotron, Modano had one request for the new American GOAT: “Make this number harder for the next guy.” Here’s why Kane isn’t close to being done.
TSN: According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, nearly half of the league is interested in acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. However, a contract extension will likely play a key role in determining where the “Breadman” lands, as he reportedly wants to sign a multi-year deal. Not everyone will be willing to give him that.
San Jose Hockey Now: According to Sheng Peng of SJHN, the San Jose Sharks have inquired about Panarin. The belief is that Panarin would be interested in signing a long-term deal with the Sharks, potentially creating a potent one-two punch with Macklin Celebrini.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: From the opposite perspective in last night’s game, here’s Dan Kingerski’s player grades following the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ 6-2 beatdown of the Blackhawks.
NHL.com: Officially official. The Dallas Stars are set to host the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2027 Stadium Series, which will be held at AT&T Stadium, aka Jerry World, on Feb. 20, 2027.
ESPN: History time! Alex Tuch recorded his fourth career hat trick in the Buffalo Sabres’ 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. It was the NHL’s 30th hat trick in January 2026, breaking the record for the most in one calendar month in league history. Goaltender Alex Lyon also made some history, as he picked up his 10th consecutive win, setting a Sabres’ franchise record.
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