The Chicago Blackhawks were back on the practice ice on Friday afternoon in Montreal after taking a day off following the back-to-back start to the 2023-24 NHL season.
That practice came with some good news, as Taylor Hall appears closer to a return to the lineup than initially thought after he left Wednesday’s game against the Boston Bruins with an injury.
With Hall still sidelined, that leaves a gaping hole atop the Blackhawks’ lineup alongside Connor Bedard. For the moment, it appears that Taylor Raddysh will get the first swing at that spot:
Hall’s absence also opens up a spot on the Blackhawks’ top power-play unit. That one appears to be going to Lukas Reichel:
Speaking of Bedard, he received just a little bit of attention from the media in town for Bedard’s first-ever NHL game north of the border:
The scene could be even more insane on Monday when Bedard and the Blackhawks head to Toronto face the Maple Leafs following Saturday night’s game against the Canadiens.
And, lastly: what is the internet for if not shameless self-promotion?