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Jack’s Daily: Nestrasil Injured; Foligno News, Outdoor Goalie Fight!
It was a chaotic final two weeks of January for the Chicago Blackhawks, with six games in nine days before getting to rest on Saturday and Sunday this past weekend.
Two games remain on the schedule before the Olympic break begins on Thursday, starting with a matchup against Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on Monday. Celebrini and Connor Bedard will go toe-to-toe for the first time in the 2025-26 season.
Be on the lookout for Chicago Hockey Now’s game preview of the matchup, which will drop after the Blackhawks wrap up their morning skate.
Also in Blackhawks news, an injury update on captain Nick Foligno was provided after Sunday’s practice, while prospect Vaclav Nestrasil left Sunday’s game early.
Around the league, the Stadium Series game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins had a little bit of everything, Brandon Bussi made some more history for the Hurricanes, and Gabriel Landeskog’s chances of playing in the Olympics.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
The Blackhawks were on the ice at Fifth Third Arena on Sunday for practice, which could be their final session before the Olympics. Captain Nick Foligno was in attendance but didn’t participate in line rushes. Foligno missed Friday’s matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets, his former team, with an undisclosed injury.
Foligno likely won’t suit up for the Blackhawks again when they face off with the San Jose Sharks on Monday night. Head coach Jeff Blashill said Foligno is doubtful when speaking with the media.
In the AHL, the Rockford IceHogs dropped both games over the weekend, capped off with a 2-1 loss to the Manitoba Moose on Sunday. Nick Lardis, who was assigned back to the IceHogs last week, tallied the lone goal for Rockford. It was his 14th AHL tally of the season.
In NCAA hockey news, 2025 first-round pick Vaclav Nestrasil suffered an injury in the first period of UMass’ 6-4 win over UMass-Lowell. Nestrasil was on the receiving end of an illegal hit from Libor Nemec, who was penalized for interference on the play, and did not return to the game. Here’s to hoping he’s alright.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: The NHL trade deadline is about five weeks away, and teams are in the midst of meetings to identify their needs and potential targets. Here’s what all 32 clubs around the league need to address at the 2026 trade deadline.
ESPN: The NHL’s Stadium Series game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins was must-see television on Sunday night. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jeremy Swayman were part of the first goalie fight in an NHL outdoor game when the two netminders decided to duke it out during the second period. What a moment!
Boston Hockey Now: After Brandon Hagel scored just 11 seconds into the game, the Boston Bruins rattled off five straight goals to grab a commanding 5-1 advantage. The Bruins were on their way to spoiling the festivities in Florida, only for the Lightning to claw their way back and eventually win 6-5 in a shootout. As Charlie McAvoy said after the game, that loss hurt a lot.
Bolts’ head coach Jon Cooper celebrated the win IN STYLE on Sunday night.
NHL.com: Sebastian Aho scored the overtime winner against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday, extending the Carolina Hurricanes’ point streak to eight games. Goaltender Brandon Bussi only had to make 11 saves in the win, as the Kings were held to just 13 shots on goal. Bussi became the first goaltender in NHL history to win 21 of his first 25 career starts (21-3-1).
Forever Blueshirts: Do the New York Rangers need to rebuild, retool, or blow it up and start all over? John Kreiser writes that the team might need a magician, rather than a general manager, to execute their turnaround properly.
Colorado Hockey Now: It’s sounding more like Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog will captain Team Sweden at the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympic Games. Landeskog hasn’t played for the Avs since Jan. 4, but he appears to be trending in the right direction to return for the tournament.
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