NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After a nearly three-week pause, the Chicago Blackhawks returned to the ice Thursday at Bridgestone Arena, preparing to face the Nashville Predators. The break, prompted by the Winter Olympics, offered the team a chance to regroup, though coach Jeff Blashill expressed eagerness to restart the demanding final stretch of the NHL season. The Chicago Blackhawks return action with hopes to build momentum in what remains of the campaign.
Players Emphasize Readiness and Importance of Practice
Blashill conveyed his anticipation plainly, stating,
“(I’m) definitely ready to get going.”
He added,
“It’s going to be a sprint here to the end of the season.”
This sentiment resonated with the players, who expressed eagerness to return to competitive play after the long interruption. Center Connor Bedard acknowledged the break as a useful period for physical and mental recovery, saying,
“I wouldn’t say (the break) was needed, but I say (it was) a beneficial time to refresh physically and mentally.”
Like his coach, Bedard emphasized the preference for competing over merely practicing, affirming,
“Practicing is fun but we do this so we can play. That’s what we love to do.”
Focus on Defensive Strategy and Special Teams During Break
The time off was put to use working on essential elements of the game, especially in areas where the team has struggled. The Blackhawks concentrated their efforts on special teams play and defensive-zone coverage, aiming to shore up weaknesses.
“(We’ve been working on) special teams and a lot of D-zone coverage. Those two have been big,”
noted the team’s focus heading into the resumed schedule.
Connor Bedard’s Season: Early Success, Injury, and Return
The 20-year-old standout has experienced a rollercoaster season. Bedard, who began with what many considered Hart Trophy-level performance, broke several franchise records before suffering a setback. On December 12 in St. Louis, he sustained a right shoulder injury in the closing seconds of a loss to the Blues, sidelining him for 12 games. During his absence, the Blackhawks posted a 5-6-1 record, underscoring his value to the lineup.
The injury also cast doubt over Bedard’s chances to earn an NHL season award and excluded him from Team Canada’s roster for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where Canada ultimately fell short against the United States in the gold medal match. Despite these challenges, Bedard entered Thursday’s game with 53 points — consisting of 23 goals and 30 assists — across 43 contests this year. Remarkably, at 20 years old and in his third NHL season, he has accumulated 181 points, the most in franchise history by a player of his age.
Blackhawks’ Playoff Hopes and Adjusted Roles on the Ice
With 25 games remaining and a slim 0.9% chance of making the playoffs, Chicago seeks to capitalize on every opportunity to climb the standings. Blashill mentioned Bedard’s return to his natural position, stating that he will resume full duties as a center, a role the young star prefers. Bedard confirmed,
“It’s nice to play your full position, I’m looking forward to that.”
Regarding his injury, he said,
“I think (my shoulder’s) fine, we got smart people so I trust them, (so) you just go out there and play, but I feel good.”
Since returning from injury, Bedard has occasionally played wing, reflecting lineup flexibility that’s seen other centers like Ryan Greene and Oliver Moore take on winger roles alongside him, Frank Nazar, and Jason Dickinson. Throughout the season, Bedard has logged time with various wingmates, including Nazar, Greene, André Burakovsky, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Ilya Mikheyev. While he recognizes the necessity to adapt positions when needed, he remains clear about his preference:
“You can flip the lines if you need or whatnot. I’m a center, and I feel like I’m a center, so that’s where I want to be.”
New Goaltender Addition Amid Suspension Challenges
The Blackhawks also announced the signing of goaltender Olivier Rodrigue to a one-year, two-way contract lasting through the 2025-26 season, featuring a $775,000 salary-cap hit. This move addresses the need for goaltending depth in the Rockford IceHogs following the suspension of Stanislav Berezhnoy, who received a 20-game ban for violating the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program and will be ineligible to play until April 11.
Rodrigue, 25, was selected 62nd overall in the 2018 draft by the Edmonton Oilers. He has accumulated solid experience in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, compiling a 61-52-17 record in 131 games, a 2.92 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and two shutouts. Rodrigue also started two NHL games for the Oilers this season, bringing valuable depth as the Blackhawks navigate the challenges of the remaining schedule.
Implications for the Remainder of the Season
The Blackhawks’ return to game action marks a critical juncture as the team battles through injuries, lineup adjustments, and limited playoff prospects. With Connor Bedard back in full center duties and new goaltending depth added, Chicago aims to stabilize performance in a tight race. The final 25 games will test the resilience and adaptability of the squad as they push to improve their standing, with every matchup contributing to their fragile postseason hopes.
