The Chicago Blackhawks are going to have a mini-camp type of situation upon their return from the Olympic break.
The Chicago Blackhawks only have one player on their active roster playing at the Olympic Games in Milan. Teuvo Teravainen and Finland have a bye into the quarterfinals, and their run could carry into the medal rounds next weekend.
By that time, however, the rest of the Blackhawks will be about a week into a mini-camp designed to help them come back from the break.
Monday is the last day off, Tuesday and Wednesday are optional skates, and Thursday and Friday will be full practices. Saturday is another day off, followed by another one on Sunday. On Thursday, February 26th, the Blackhawks will be back in action against the Nashville Predators.
They will kick off the post-Olympic break with a four-game road trip through Nashville, Colorado, Utah, and Winnipeg. On Friday, March 6th, they will return home to play the Vancouver Canucks.
Having a lot of practice time between now and their return to action in Nashville should be helpful for this young group. It is an opportunity to feel both rested and sharp heading into the next wave of games.
What is this group looking to accomplish upon their return? Well, they are 10 points below the playoff line, but a nice winning streak could get them back in the mix.
The realistic expectation, however, is that they play well and head into the summer on a high note. Doing so could make the expectations for 2026-27 higher.
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