The Daily: Blackhawks Win Big All Around

The Chicago Blackhawks won big both in the lottery and amongst their prospect pool. Only hours after the Blackhawks secured the top overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Seattle Thunderbirds punched their ticket to the Western Hockey League Final with a 4-2 win over Kamloops.

Though it’s not Lord Stanley’s, Chicago’s cup runneth over right now.

Blackhawks Luck, Skill Hitting All Cylinders

With Chicago presumably taking Connor Bedard with the first pick of the NHL draft, it’s their first round pick from last season who could be factoring in earlier than expected. Kevin Korchinski looks like he could step in as early as next season. Colton Dach and Nolan Allen are Thunderbirds as well. A day removed from winning the lottery, the Blackhawks are suddenly more flush with talent than originally thought.

Bedard, meanwhile, will bring a bonafide star to Chicago following a year where two franchise stalwarts left. Patrick Kane was dealt while Jonathan Toews wouldn’t be offered a new deal. Before anyone could even reflect, the Blackhawks are reloading with a talent that is purportedly on par with the other well known Connor in the NHL–McDavid.

Much remains to be seen. But things are a lot brighter for Chicago than they were just 24 hours ago.

Playoff News

The Vegas Golden Knights roared back with a 5-1 victory of its own, riding Jack Eichel’s dominating performance. Now with a 2-1 series lead, can they stave off a likely ferocious rebuttal from Edmonton Wednesday night?

Tomorrw, the Florida Panthers have a chance to close out the Toronto Maple Leafs in a four-game sweep. Tonight the Hurricanes and Devils resume their series and the Kraken and Stars are the late game, with puck drop at 8:30 pm CST.

Blackhawks in Case You Missed It

• Chicago wins the Draft Lottery and the rights to draft Connor Bedard
• The Blackhawks escape Rebuild Hell thanks to a Golden Ticket
• How does this all change the Blackhawks strategy?

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jeremy Swayman isn’t worried in the least about getting a contract done. Boston Bruins

Detroit: Jonatan Berggren will finally get his chance to represent Team Sweden. Detroit Red Wings

Florida: There may be goalie questions for Toronto, but the Panthers are sitting pretty with a 3-0 lead. Florida Panthers

Nashville: The Predators will be picking 15th–what might they go with? Nashville Predators

Pittsburgh: Who could the Penguins take at the 14th overall pick? Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose: Who should the Sharks take at #4: Carlsson, Michkov, or Smith? San Jose Sharks

Vegas: Grading the Golden Knights after a dominating performance in Edmonton. Vegas Golden Knights