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Morning Chirps: Winter Classic Uniforms Return, Former Blackhawks Forward Waived

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The Chicago Blackhawks are back in action tonight as they host the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center. They will look to get back on track after Saturday’s 5-1 loss at the Florida Panthers. Plus, Tuesday was a very newsworthy day in the Central Division. Let’s get you caught up!



Blackhawks Chirps

  • The Blackhawks had a full house at practice on Tuesday. Craig Smith is due to come off injured reserve and rejoin the lineup. Plus, Landon Slaggert gave us some insight into who the best gamer is on the team.
  • During Monday’s practice, Slaggert, Colton Dach, and Ethan Del Mastro were all breaking in some new Winter Classic gear. The Blackhawks officially announced that they will wear the uniforms three more times this season, starting Saturday against the St. Louis Blues. They will also sport them for a pair of home games, Feb. 23 against the Toronto Maple Leafs and March 7 versus the Utah Hockey Club.
  • Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times did a deep dive into why Frank Nazar has worked so well on the penalty kill.
  • Feb. 5 has been an eventful date in Blackhawks’ history. In 1966, Stan Mikita was cut deep in the head after a slash from Kent Douglas of the Maple Leafs. When the two teams got together the next night, Mikita wore a helmet for the first time.
  • One year later, Bobby Hull became the first player in team history to score 350 goals. He also recorded an assist as the Blackhawks extended their 11-game unbeaten streak with a 5-0 blanking of the Boston Bruins.
  • On Feb. 5, 1995, Bernie Nicholls scored four goals on four shots for his 16th career hat trick and his first with the Blackhawks. He added two assists for a six-point night in a 9-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
  • Happy 43rd Birthday to 2010 Stanley Cup winner Tomas Kopecky!

NHL Chirps

  • Colorado Avalanche fans who are Xfinity customers got some long-awaited good news yesterday. Altitude Sports, the home of the Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, finally agreed to return to Xfinity TV. The network has been left off the cable provider for over five years. This move should bring some hope that the Chicago Sports Network can reach the same agreement sooner rather than later.
  • The Minnesota Wild activated Jonas Brodin and Marcus Johansson off injured reserve on Tuesday. These are welcomed additions with Kirill Kaprizov injured and Ryan Hartman suspended. However, the duo didn’t do much to help in a 3-0 loss in Boston last night.
  • Former Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy returned to action for the St. Louis Blues last night after missing 49 games due to a lower-body injury. He played 15:27 and had one shot on goal in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Oilers.
  • As one former Blackhawk returned, another is on his way out. The Nashville Predators waived Vinnie Hinostroza on Tuesday. The 30-year-old forward will return to the Milwaukee Admirals if he clears. He led the AHL in scoring when the Predators recalled him in late December.
  • Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer revealed that defenseman Miro Heiskanen underwent successful knee surgery on Tuesday. His status has been downgraded to month-to-month. This makes you wonder if this puts the Stars in the market to trade for a veteran defenseman. Perhaps one on the Blackhawks who was born in Texas….
  • Finally, the IIHF announced that Russia and Belarus will remain barred from competition for at least another year. This means 2026 will be the fourth straight year neither country can compete in the World Championships and World Juniors. The International Olympic Committee has yet to decide if they will be allowed to take part in the Winter Games next year.  
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