Morning Bag Skate: 10-15-21

This is your daily thread to talk about the latest hockey news.

BLACKHAWKS

Blackhawks ugly opening loss sketches blueprint for how ‘21-22 plan could flop (Sun-Times)

Was it nerves or something else? What’s with the slow starts? Blackhawks face big questions after a sobering 4-2 season-opening loss (Tribune)

RECAPS: Avalanche 4, Blackhawks 2 (SCH) (Tribune) (Sun-Times) (Mile High Hockey) (The Athletic)

An incomplete list of things we’re excited about for the ‘21-22 Blackhawks season (SCH)

Musings on Madison, Episode 64 — Blackhawks 2021-22 season preview (SCH)

“I don’t see a lot of issues”: What scouts are saying about the Blackhawks as the season begins (The Athletic)

Blackhawks 2021-22 season preview: Top-six forwards (SCH)

Blackhawks 2021-22 season preview: Bottom-six forwards (SCH)

Blackhawks motion to consolidate both Bradley Aldrich-related lawsuits into one (Sun-Times)

On eve of opener, remade Blackhawks epitomize uncertainty of NHL season (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks Bits: Gustafsson officially signs; Delia, Subban clear waivers and head to AHL (SCH)

Blackhawks 2021-22 season preview: Defensemen (SCH)

CENTRAL DIVISION

RECAP: Kraken 4, Predators 3 (On the Forecheck)

RECAP: Stars 3, Rangers 2 (Defending Big D)

RECAP: Blue Jackets 8, Coyotes 2 (Five for Howling)

John Klingberg injured in first game of Stars season (Defending Big D)

Gabriel Landeskog suspended 2 games (Mile High Hockey)

Nathan MacKinnon out for opening night (Mile High Hockey)

Breaking down the Predators’ opening night roster (On the Forecheck)

The Coyotes’ opening night roster (Five for Howling)

Wild announce opening night roster (Hockey Wilderness)

Central Division primer: In NHL’s deepest division, playoff dreams abound, but playoff spots do not (The Athletic)

NHL

RECAP: Sabres 5, Canadiens 1 (NHL)

RECAP: Senators 3, Maple Leafs 2 (NHL)

RECAP: Panthers 5, Penguins 4 (NHL)

RECAP: Hurricanes 6, Islanders 3 (NHL)

RECAP: Lightning 7, Red Wings 6 (NHL)

Brady Tkachuk signs 7-year deal (Silver Seven)

Bettman: All but 4 NHL players vaccinated (NHL)

Down Goes Brown: Oddly specific predictions for every NHL team for the 2021-22 season (The Athletic)

Canadiens sign Nick Suzuki to 8-year contract extension (Habs Eyes on the Prize)

Bill Daly Q&A: Seattle’s launch, Pat Brisson’s impact on Jack Eichel, ESPN vs. TNT and talks with Robin Lehner (The Athletic)

HOCKEY WORLD

One league, under Barstool: The PHF’s near-miss at partnering with a media menace (The Ice Garden)

In a small Ontario town, the pandemic shutters a junior hockey team and creates an uncertain future (The Athletic)

Understanding the true impact of racism in hockey is the only way we’ll find progress (Sportsnet)