![\"Mar](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/USATSI_25795510-1200x828.jpg\")
Mar 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (33) during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images<\/p>\nChicago rides a three-game streak into a chaotic playoff race as league-wide parity keeps the Hawks in the mix without Bedard.<\/p>\n
The Chicago Blackhawks have taken advantage of a weak Western Conference and now find themselves two points out of a playoff spot. Yes, they\u2019re in seventh place in the Central Division. Yes, the Pacific Division is completely in the negative for goal differential. Chicago\u2019s ability to be this close to a playoff spot without Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar is more indicative of what the league as a whole is going through. It\u2019s a free-for-all in the standings if you aren\u2019t the Colorado Avalanche (they have three regulation losses in 41 games). <\/p>\n
It\u2019s tricky, isn\u2019t it? If the Blackhawks are going to be this close to the playoffs, you\u2019d hope they make it in just for the experience. If they miss it, you don\u2019t want to just miss the playoffs and have poor odds of landing a high draft pick. Either way, the Hawks are on a three-game winning streak (4-5-1 in their last 10) thanks to good teams playing bad hockey. Let\u2019s recap the previous week and get you ready for another week of Bedard-less hockey. <\/p>\n
Mar 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (33) during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Tasting Flight \u2013 Game Recaps <\/p>\n
The Chicago Blackhawks are on a three-game winning streak, all against current playoff teams who are in the middle of rough patches. Four of the Blackhawks\u2019 last six games have gone to overtime. In that stretch, the Hawks have posted a 53.87% Corsi and a 50.04% expected goals share at 5-on-5. Not bad considering this roster is taped together. Tyler Bertuzzi deserves recognition for his performance. With a hat trick in Sunday\u2019s game, Bertuzzi has 22 goals in 39 games. He\u2019s on pace for 46 goals. Bertuzzi\u2019s career best was 30 goals in 68 games during the 2021-22 season with the Detroit Red Wings.<\/p>\n
Story continues below.<\/p>\n
More Sports News<\/p>\n
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Closing Time \u2013 News Recap<\/p>\n
Dominic Toninato<\/a> was called up, didn\u2019t play any games, and then was sent back to Rockford over the weekend. The call-up was the result of an injury scare after Jason Dickinson didn\u2019t return following an injury during the loss to the New York Islanders. Dickinson was listed day-to-day but didn\u2019t miss any games. <\/p>\n Scott Powers of The Athletic reported<\/a> that Connor Bedard is expected to return before the Olympic Break, while Frank Nazar doesn\u2019t have a timeline. <\/p>\n The World Juniors wrap up today with Team Sweden and Team Czechia playing for gold at 7:30 p.m. CT. Anton Frondell, with Sweden, has five goals and eight points in six games. Frondell scored the winning goal in the shootout over Team Finland in their 4-3 win over Team Finland on Sunday. The former third-overall pick for Chicago is in third for goals in the tournament. Vaclav Nestrasil, a 2025 first-round pick, has two goals and seven points in six games. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Team USA lost 4-3 in OT to Team Finland<\/a> in the quarterfinals. AJ Spellacy had a goal and four points in five games played. Team Canada lost 6-4 to Team Czechia<\/a> in the semi-finals. Team Canada will play Team Finland for bronze today at 3:30 p.m. CT. <\/p>\n What\u2019s On Tap Next?<\/p>\n The Blackhawks have a \u201clight\u201d week ahead. Two home games and another back-to-back to close the week. With how the league looks (remember, even the good teams look bad right now), things can change fast. The Blues are on a two-game winning streak and are 5-4-1 in their last 10, but horrid goaltending still ails them. A team save percentage of .880 places them at the bottom of the league with a -39 goal differential. We know what Washington looks like, and they could turn things around (3-5-2 in their last 10). The Nashville Predators are supposed to be a bad team, but aren\u2019t playing like it with a 7-3-0 record in their last 10. What is parity?<\/p>\n Wednesday, Jan. 7\u00a0vs. St. Louis Blues \u2013 8:30 p.m. CT<\/p>\n Friday, Jan. 9\u00a0vs. Washington Capitals \u2013 7:00 p.m. CT<\/p>\n Saturday, Jan. 10\u00a0@ Nashville Predators \u2013 7:00 p.m. CT<\/p>\n