Blackhawks surpass last year's point total early, Frank Nazar's surge, and more

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down how the Blackhawks have already surpassed last season’s point total with 15 games still to play, and why that marks meaningful progress even if it doesn’t quite feel like it. They dive into Connor Bedard’s game, Frank Nazar’s hot streak, and Artyom Levshunov’s promotion to the top pairing. The guys also debate whether Louis Crevier deserves a look on the power play, where his shot could be an asset after leading the NHL in 100+ mph slap shots. Plus, they discuss Nick Lardis' ice-time deployment and where 2024 first-round pick Sacha Boisvert might fit in following the signing of his entry-level contract. Later, Pat and Charlie examine the Blackhawks’ back-to-back slow starts against Vegas and Minnesota, and why the sluggish opening in Vegas particularly stood out, especially after the team was rewarded with an off day following an overtime win in Utah. To wrap things up, they reflect on former captain Nick Foligno’s return to Chicago and the lasting impact he made during his three-year stint. They also touch on how Team USA’s success at the 4 Nations tournament and Winter Olympics potentially impacted the U.S. baseball team at the World Baseball Classic, and what it means for international competition across sports.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis reflect on the passing of former Blackhawk and beloved broadcaster Troy Murray. They remember his legacy, reminisce about the good times, and share personal stories about the impact he had on their lives. Later, three-time Stanley Cup champion and new CHSN Blackhawks analyst Alec Martinez makes his podcast debut to discuss his transition from player to broadcaster. He also weighs in on the trade deadline, Nick Foligno being moved, and how the Blackhawks move forward with a new leadership group. Plus, Pat, Charlie and Alec dive into the development of young defensemen Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, Connor Bedard’s growth from Year 2 to Year 3, and how off-ice bonds typically translate to on-ice success.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis recap the Blackhawks’ four-game road trip coming out of the Olympic break. They break down the blown leads, with all three losses unfolding in similar fashion and discuss whether the growing pains of learning how to close out games are simply part of the process. The guys also dive into the need for more depth scoring beyond Connor Bedard, the future of Kevin Korchinski after being jumped on the depth chart by Ethan Del Mastro against the Winnipeg Jets, and other key storylines. Plus, Pat and Charlie break down the Connor Murphy trade to the Edmonton Oilers. They reflect on Murphy’s legacy and impact in Chicago both on and off the ice, evaluate his fit in Edmonton, and analyze the return the Blackhawks received for the veteran defenseman. You’ll also hear from Murphy during his Edmonton media availability. To wrap up, the guys preview the 2026 trade deadline and examine the situations surrounding Jason Dickinson, Nick Foligno, and Ilya Mikheyev. Will any of them be on the move?

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis put a bow on the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament, where Team USA captured gold over Canada to snap a 46-year drought. They break down Connor Hellebuyck’s heroic performance in net, Jack Hughes’ overtime game-winner, and a flawless 18-for-18 penalty kill that powered the Americans to victory. Plus, Pat and Charlie discuss Patrick Kane’s lasting impact on USA Hockey and why his fingerprints were all over this roster, while also debating whether Canada regrets leaving Connor Bedard off its Olympic squad. They also dive into the controversial 3-on-3 overtime format that decided the gold medal and propose potential changes for future tournaments. Finally, the guys shift their focus to the Blackhawks’ final 25 games, outlining their top five storylines to watch, from the trade deadline to potential prospect call-ups and beyond.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the Blackhawks’ defensive-zone coverage tweaks and adjustments to their power-play zone entries as the team returns to practice and treats it like a mini training camp. They discuss why the changes were made and how the penalty kill’s aggressiveness helped play a role in the decision-making. They also dive into Kevin Korchinski’s call-up and the opportunity in front of him while Wyatt Kaiser recovers from a lower-body injury, and debate whether the Blackhawks should return to an 11-forward, seven-defensemen lineup coming out of the break. To wrap up, Pat and Charlie recap an electric Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinal round, highlighted by three of four games going to overtime. They break down Team Canada’s dramatic win over Czechia that nearly turned into an upset, Team USA’s gutsy victory over Sweden, and more.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis evaluate the state of the Blackhawks heading into the Olympic break and recap the grueling stretch of 21 games in 40 days. They discuss the team’s power-play struggles, what needs to change coming out of the break, and Wyatt Kaiser’s injury, including whether it could impact Chicago’s approach at the NHL trade deadline. Pat and Charlie also hand out midseason report cards, grading the forwards, defensemen, goaltending, power play, and penalty kill. Plus, they dish out individual honors, including offensive MVP, defensive MVP, most improved player, most consistent player, and most surprising player. They wrap up the episode with a men's Olympic hockey preview, debating whether Team USA and Team Canada are on a collision course for a gold-medal showdown, and highlight a potential sleeper country to watch.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down Chicago’s 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks to snap a five-game winless skid. The guys highlight the third line of Ryan Donato, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev, who led the charge by combining for 10 points. Pat and Charlie also dive into the Connor Bedard vs. Macklin Celebrini matchup, addressing the comparisons between the back-to-back No. 1 overall picks. They discuss their friendship, competitive fire, and the traits that make each player special. The guys also examine Team Canada’s Olympic roster, which continues to take hits due to injuries, and whether that could open the door for Bedard to earn an injury replacement spot. Plus, Pat and Charlie give their flowers to Connor Murphy as the NHL trade deadline approaches, discussing his impact on and off the ice and whether he may have played his final game at the United Center as a member of the Blackhawks. They wrap up by discussing Artyom Levshunov’s development as the Blackhawks work with him on key foundational elements of his game, while also putting into perspective the cultural adjustment facing the 20-year-old defenseman.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down why Chicago’s power play has gone cold with a 0-for-17 stretch over the last seven games, and discuss recent unit shake-ups and practice adjustments aimed at fixing it. They also dive into Connor Bedard's game as he has just one goal in his last eight games since returning from a shoulder injury, and what the Blackhawks can do to get him going again. The guys discuss Bedard skating with Frank Nazar and Teuvo Teravainen (who’s tracking toward a return) and whether his recent play could impact Team Canada’s decision if they need an Olympic injury replacement. Pat and Charlie also take an early look at Chicago's trade deadline approach, plus Nick Lardis being assigned back to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. The show wraps up with a preview of the Moms Trip and a recap of an emotional Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the United Center.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down a memorable weekend for the Blackhawks, highlighted by the return of longtime former captain Jonathan Toews. They discuss Toews receiving one of the loudest and longest ovations ever at the United Center and reflect on his lasting impact on the city of Chicago and the Blackhawks community. Pat and Charlie also weigh in on Chicago Bears star quarterback Caleb Williams electrifying the crowd with his surprise front-row appearance alongside Cubs star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, adding to an already special atmosphere. They discuss the uniqueness of Chicago’s young sports stars showing support for one another. Plus, the guys recap Centennial Celebration Night, which honored the Blackhawks’ Banner Years with tributes to the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup teams and featured more than 25 alumni in attendance along with the Stanley Cup itself.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down a wild week for the Blackhawks, as a stomach virus ripped through the locker room, including Connor Bedard. They explain just how bizarre Friday’s game was and also discuss Drew Commesso’s 36-save shutout in Nashville for his first career NHL win. They also dive into Saturday’s Chicago sports frenzy and how the Blackhawks are capitalizing on the Chicago Bears’ playoff energy. Plus, they share their thoughts on whether Bedard could replace Brayden Point on Team Canada if Point’s injury keeps him out of the Olympics, Tyler Bertuzzi’s heater, the terrific special teams, and more. Pat and Charlie later discuss Patrick Kane’s 500th career NHL goal with the Detroit Red Wings and his emotional postgame locker room speech, then look ahead to Saturday’s Centennial Celebration Night, which will feature more than 25 Stanley Cup winners in the building, before Jonathan Toews makes his return to the United Center on Monday for the first time as a visitor. They wrap up the show with prospect updates on No. 3 overall pick Anton Frondell and 2023 second-round pick Roman Kantserov, who’s having a historically great season in the KHL.