The Chicago Blackhawks were back on the ice again on Thursday for their second full practice out of the Olympic break. One of the two specific areas that the team focused on during the session was their power-play entries, as they tinkered with a few new ways to carry the puck into the offensive zone. More in the links for the strategies the Blackhawks are looking to utilize on the man advantage when they return to action next week.<\/p>\n
Also in Blackhawks news, Ryan Donato was absent from Thursday\u2019s practice for a family reason, while Jason Dickinson also exited early.<\/p>\n
Around the league, only four countries remain in the Men\u2019s Olympic Hockey tournament in Milan, Sidney Crosby won\u2019t suit up for Team Canada, and the USA Women\u2019s team comes away with a Gold Medal.<\/p>\n
All that & more in the Daily!<\/p>\n
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits<\/p>\n
Chicago Hockey Now: There were some interesting developments from the Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> power-play work during Thursday\u2019s practice. The top unit is tinkering with a new double slingshot-style entry, while Matt Grzlecyk is still quarterbacking the second unit.<\/p>\n More CHN: Before returning from the Olympic break, the Blackhawks made three roster transactions on Wednesday. First, Wyatt Kaiser was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 4, and then Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel<\/a> were recalled from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. Seven defensemen are on the active roster once again.<\/p>\n More CHN: ICYMI, Connor Bedard<\/a> has returned to a true-center role for the first time since injuring his right shoulder on Dec. 12, meaning he\u2019s back taking faceoffs again. Bedard has won 47 percent of his draws so far this season.<\/p>\n Ryan Donato was absent from Thursday\u2019s practice, but it was for a good reason. His wife, Bradley, is expected to give birth to their second child in the coming days.<\/p>\n Ryan Donato isn’t at Blackhawks practice today. Sam Lafferty filling in his spot on DIckinson’s line.<\/p>\n Donato’s wife’s due date was right around now, so that’s likely why.<\/p>\n \u2014 Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jason Dickinson also had to leave Thursday\u2019s practice early. Fortunately, it wasn\u2019t due to an injury, as Dickinson was dealing with just a stomach issue. Hopefully, he feels better soon.<\/p>\n Jason Dickinson left practice early today because he was feeling under the weather. Stomach issue. #Blackhawks<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now<\/p>\n The Athletic: Let\u2019s go, ladies! The Women\u2019s U.S. Olympic squad<\/a> defeated Canada 2-1 to snatch the Gold Medal in a thriller on Thursday. Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal in overtime.<\/p>\n ESPN: Canada will be without captain Sidney Crosby<\/a> for their Semifinal matchup with Finland on Friday. Crosby has been ruled out with a lower-body injury, which occurred in the Semifinal game against Czechia on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Boston Hockey Now: Should the Boston Bruins<\/a> pursue right-handed defenseman Justin Faulk? Jack Studley from BHN breaks down whether the Bruins should make a trade with the Blues for Faulk before the deadline.<\/p>\n Daily Faceoff: The United States squares off with Slovakia with a chance to play for the Gold Medal on the line. Here\u2019s a preview<\/a> of the matchup.<\/p>\n For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now<\/a> and like our Facebook Page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow us on X:<\/p>\n @chihockeynow<\/a>, @JackBushman2<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t