Win Complicates Bedard Race, Tinordi Wants To Stay, Rolston Joins Rockford, and Other Blackhawks Bullets
The Blackhawks won a game last night. It’s their first win in their last nine starts, which is good for morale in the room but complicates the NHL draft lottery race in the closing five games for the three teams at the bottom. By virtue of having the most regulation wins (17), the Blackhawks are now third in the draft lottery despite having the same 56 points as Anaheim and Columbus through 77 games.
- Just a reminder that this is why we’re open to the Blackhawks not winning another game this year:
- Jonathan Toews played his second game back last night after missing two months to take care of his body. He wasn’t dominant at the dot (won seven of 17), but won a huge faceoff clean in the final 30 seconds to help kill clock and preserve the win. He also won a big board battle that led to a goal. It’s obvious that his teammates are still ready to roll with their Captain, even as he gets his legs back under him after a long time away.
- Jarred Tinordi is an unrestricted free agent this summer and told Charlie Roumeliotis at NBCSN that he would love to come back to Chicago next season. The Blackhawks claimed Tinordi off waivers from the Rangers just before the season began and he’s been a terrific addition to the blue line. The concern is pretty obvious: he can’t stay healthy. From taking a skate blade to the face to a broken jaw to his current hip issue, Tinordi has only appeared in 42 games this season. But he’s been everything the Hawks asked when he’s been available. And he came off IR to join the team on Tuesday night.
- As I wrote when I tried to look ahead to the Blackhawks’ blue line next season previously, he’s the kind of physical presence the team could use as they integrate more youngsters on the back end next year. But, considering his injury history, banking on him being more than a seventh defenseman is setting yourself up for a frequent charter to/from Rockford. I say hand the man an extension and some certainty. Richardson loves him and the fans do, too.
- Forward Ryder Rolston made his first appearance on the ice with the IceHogs on Tuesday. He signed his ELC with the Blackhawks on March 13 and is finishing the season in Rockford but has been out because of a broken collarbone. It’s great to see him on the ice!
- Denver head coach David Carle has been named the head coach for the United States at the 2024 World Junior Championship. Unfortunately, Blackhawks prospect and DU forward Aidan Thompson will be too old to skate for him. But other prospects like Frank Nazar should be in the mix to make an impact for the squad.
- A fun little conversation here between ESPN’s John Buccigross and Boston University head coach Jay Pandolfo, who will have Blackhawks prospect Drew Commesso in net and Chicago prospect Ryan Greene centering his second line when they take on Minnesota in the Frozen Four tomorrow evening.
- News on Tuesday was absolutely awful for one of the top prospects in the 2023 NHL Draft. Matvei Michkov’s father, Andrey, was found dead in a pond near the home they were renting in Sochi. And they haven’t ruled out foul play.
- Finally, the Blackhawks aren’t backing into anything other than a high draft pick this season. But their roommates at the United Center clinched a spot in the NBA’s play-in games last night despite losing a game in ugly fashion. Now we just wait to see which Bulls team actually shows up for the postseason.
Paige Spiranac Fantasy Golf PoolSign-Up to Paige's Free Augusta Golf Pool and Get a chance to Win a Round of Golf with Paige!
