The NHL’s action heats up this week as 30 of the 32 teams take to the ice on Thanksgiving Eve, following a quiet Tuesday that featured just one game. The Chicago Blackhawks are set to continue their four-game homestand by welcoming the Minnesota Wild to the United Center. This matchup marks the first meeting of the season between the two squads, with Minnesota coming in strong, having secured five consecutive victories and earning points in eight straight games.
As anticipation builds, fans are encouraged to check out the upcoming Game Preview from Chicago Hockey Now, which will be available after the Blackhawks’ morning skate on Wednesday.
In recent Blackhawks updates, the team has been grappling with injury challenges among forwards. Nick Foligno is currently on injured reserve, and both Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky have faced absences due to injuries. There is hope that Burakovsky might return to the lineup for the upcoming game, as he has been skating at the team’s practice facility recently.
Goaltender Laurent Brossoit has also been making strides in his recovery from injuries since inking a two-year contract with the Blackhawks. Ben Pope from the Chicago Sun-Times spoke with Brossoit about his journey and the depth of talent in the goaltending position.
In a touching off-ice initiative, Nick Foligno and his brother Marcus, who plays for the Wild, are joining forces to honor their late mother, Janis, who passed away from breast cancer in 2009. The brothers are working together on the Foligno Face-Off, a campaign aimed at raising funds for breast cancer research in collaboration with the NHL, NHLPA, and the V Foundation.
Across the league, trade rumors are swirling, including speculation about Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and the tumultuous environment reported in Nashville, where the Predators currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood is making headlines with his outstanding play early in the season, putting him in contention for Team Canada’s Olympic roster.
As fans gear up for the festive hockey action, the Blackhawks look to harness the holiday spirit both on the ice and through their meaningful charitable initiatives. This blend of competitive play and community involvement adds a layer of positivity to the NHL’s Thanksgiving week.