Tonight is going to be a fun night to be a sports fan in general. It’s all happening! And, if you’re at home looking for hockey, this might be one of the more fun viewing nights in a long time. All 32 teams are in the NHL are in action tonight and ESPN is going to give us the full overloaded viewing experience. The NHL did it right, too — the games are ALL staggered, starting every 15-30 minutes from 5 PM CT until the Flyers and Golden Knights start the last game of the night at 10 PM CT. This is going to be a great night to be in front of a television.
Because the Blackhawks apparently aren’t allowed to play an average, much less mediocre, team yet, the Boston Bruins visit the United Center this evening. What we learned at Monday’s practice: Taylor Hall is going to be out for a while (week-to-week) but Philipp Kurashev could make his regular-season debut this evening. Kurashev returning would be a nice addition to the lineup, and his fresh legs could be a big help to a team that’s already played a lot of hockey.
Kurashev told the media after Monday’s skate that it was really hard to miss the time he has already. After his 2022-23 season ended prematurely because of an injury and then winning his arbitration case with the Blackhawks and getting a new two-year contract, he came into came with a lot to prove. He’s excited to work his way into a lineup that could use his skill and speed.
As Kurashev joines the lineup, there is the looming question for some if Kevin Korchinski is going to stay in the NHL or go back to Seattle in the WHL and slide his contract another year. Head coach Luke Richardson isn’t among those still asking if Korchinski is ready for the pro game. And, based on his comments yesterday, it certainly sounds like he’s going to spend the year in the NHL.
Which brings up the next question: Should/Could/Will the Blackhawks loan Korchinski to Hockey Canada for the World Junior Championship? My thought is pretty simple on that matter: if Korchinski really feels strongly about going and trying to win another gold medal for Canada, cool. But he already won a gold with Connor Bedard, Nolan Allan, Colton Dach and Ethan Del Mastro so this isn’t a “once in a lifetime” event for Korchinski. We saw him receive his ring from Hockey Canada with Bedard last weekend. He’s developing incredibly well and is now playing top-pair minutes for the Blackhawks. He’s an important part of the NHL roster. The more time he spends playing with and against NHL players and being coached by the Blackhawks’ staff the better. But if he really wants to go, just stay healthy and come back with another gold.
Speaking of Dach, some asked yesterday after seeing the updates on Hall and Kurashev if there was anything new on Colton’s health. Well, I got to practice early enough on Monday to see him skating and shooting. He looked good. Hopefully he can get back to the point that he can be activated off IR and start playing for the IceHogs.
Bedard is making all sorts of noise around the hockey world, whether it’s scoring on his first shot on home ice or helping ESPN and TNT break audience records. Over the weekend, he (indirectly) raised more eyebrows — and a lot of money for charity. A signed Bedard jersey sold at auction for over $20,000!
It was really good to see Colin Blackwell back on the ice with his teammates yesterday. After the skate, he spoke with the media for a while. Blackwell has been through a lot since he signed a two-year deal with the Blackhawks. His injury required time to settle down before he could get surgery, and then he had setbacks during the summer and training camp that frustrated him. When he was asked about who helped him get through the tough times, he got emotional. I really hope he can get all the way back to full health and eventually stay on the ice.
Martin Misiak had a good weekend for the Erie Otters. Two goals and three assists against London and Sarnia earned him a nod as one of the Otters’ three stars from last week. He’s off to a good start, posting nine points in ten games to start his OHL campaign.
Nick Lardis is also off to a hot start in the OHL with Brantford. He’s currently tied for 11th in the league and leads his team with six goals in nine games to start the season.
Finally, i🌳f you missed any of the baseball last night I am so, so sorry because it w🍬as awesome across the board.
