Connor Bedard on verge of return as Blackhawks remain undefeated in 2026

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis discuss the looming return of Connor Bedard, who spoke to the media for the first time about his shoulder injury since Dec. 12. They also react to Bedard being left off Team Canada’s initial 25-man roster for the 2026 Olympics and examine his mature response and mindset. Pat and Charlie also break down the Blackhawks’ 4-0-0 start to 2026, how the team has pulled within three points of a playoff spot, and the impressive play of the special teams. They wrap up the show by previewing Saturday’s Chicago sports frenzy, with the Blackhawks, Bears and Bulls all in action at the same time.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the Blackhawks’ 4-1-1 stretch since the three-day holiday break and discuss why the time off came at the perfect moment for a team navigating the losses of Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. The guys dive into head coach Jeff Blashill’s impact during a low point, including his use of positive reinforcement after the ugly 7-3 loss to Pittsburgh and why he felt it was necessary. Pat and Charlie also discuss Tyler Bertuzzi’s hot streak, the veterans stepping up with Bedard and Nazar out, and the goaltending of Spencer Knight and Arvid Söderblom finding their form again. The duo then weigh in on Bedard being left off Team Canada’s initial 25-man Olympic roster and explain why Blashill struck the perfect tone in defending his player. They also touch on Team USA’s roster and highlight notable omissions. They wrap up the show by discussing whether there could be any fallout between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night following Bedard’s injury on Dec. 12 in the last meeting.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis provide an update on Connor Bedard, who was spotted skating on his own before practice for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury on Dec. 12. The guys also break down the weekend games in Dallas and Pittsburgh, discuss the team’s continued struggles in the second game of a back-to-back this season, and more. Pat and Charlie also dive into head coach Jeff Blashill’s postgame comments, explaining why they believe he struck the right tone in expressing confidence in the group. The show continues with a look at the new lines at practice, including Nick Lardis skating alongside Teuvo Teravainen and Oliver Moore, and why the skill sets of Lardis and Teravainen could complement each other well. Finally, Pat and Charlie wrap up the episode with prospect updates on Anton Frondell, Vaclav Nestrasil and AJ Spellacy, who are all off to strong starts at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the Blackhawks being hit hard by the injury bug, with Frank Nazar sidelined for four weeks in addition to Connor Bedard already being out. They discuss the impact of their absences, who could step into expanded roles, and why Nick Lardis could be one of those players.    The guys also dive into the seven total challenges over the last three games, attempt to clarify what constitutes as goaltender interference, and offer a solution for how the NHL could clean it up.    To wrap things up, Pat and Charlie highlight the three Blackhawks prospects set to represent their countries at the 2026 World Juniors and share their Blackhawks-themed Christmas gifts.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down Connor Bedard’s upper-body injury, which he suffered with 0.8 seconds left in St. Louis, and discuss the latest update that he will be sidelined through at least December. The guys examine the impact the injury will have on the Blackhawks, how it could affect Bedard’s chances of making Team Canada’s Olympic roster, and more. They also discuss Nick Lardis’ NHL debut and how he could help fill the offensive void in the meantime. Pat and Charlie also recap Laurent Brossoit’s AHL conditioning stint and discuss the plan moving forward after the Blackhawks placed him on waivers. Plus, they highlight Saturday’s memorable Centennial Celebration night, which featured the return of retired public address announcer Harvey Wittenberg, organist Frank Pellico, and soloist Wayne Messmer to help recreate the Chicago Stadium experience. And, of course, Patrick Kane was in town and put on a show in the first period.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the Blackhawks’ bounce-back 3-0 shutout win over the New York Rangers after a rough end to their four-game road trip, where they were outscored by a combined 12 goals in Los Angeles and Anaheim. Pat and Charlie discuss Spencer Knight’s 21-save shutout in front of Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan and make the case for his inclusion on Team USA’s 2026 Olympic roster. They also highlight another multi-point performance from Connor Bedard and explain why he deserves a spot on Team Canada — plus where they’d slot him in the lineup. The guys also debate the NHL’s hand-pass rule, weigh in on Sam Rinzel’s AHL assignment and why it was necessary, and look ahead to Patrick Kane’s pursuit of 500 career goals as he prepares to face Chicago on Saturday night at the United Center.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down the Blackhawks snapping their five-game winless skid with a comeback win over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. They dive into how the team flipped the script, rallying from a 3–0 deficit to score five unanswered, and discuss Connor Bedard’s four-point outing, including his fiery battle with former World Junior roommate Mason McTavish. The guys also touch on Bedard’s growing case for Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster as the calendar turns to December, the Blackhawks somehow remaining in a playoff spot despite the recent skid, and the goaltending picture cooling off. They wrap by examining what Laurent Brossoit’s upcoming AHL conditioning stint might look like and previewing the four-game West Coast road trip ahead.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down Chicago’s three-game losing streak and explain why Sunday’s 1–0 loss to the first-place Colorado Avalanche was still a step in the right direction. They also discuss Connor Bedard’s matchup against Nathan MacKinnon’s line with a member of Team Canada’s management group for the 2026 Olympics in attendance and weigh in on the questionable officiating we’ve seen lately. Pat and Charlie react to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli’s latest reporting on Bedard’s contract negotiations and share their thoughts on the early projections. They also dive into the viral video of Bedard being swarmed by autograph-chasing resellers and defend Bedard in the process. The guys wrap up the episode by offering three Blackhawks-themed things they’re thankful for.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis dissect the controversial no-call on Connor Bedard’s late third-period breakaway against Seattle and the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that followed after Bedard voiced his frustration. The ensuing power play opened the door for the Kraken’s game-winner, and the guys debate whether Bedard was justified in arguing his case. Pat and Charlie also break down Ryan Lindgren’s hit to the head on Andre Burakovsky, who left the game and is expected to miss at least one contest. They then shift to Bedard’s hat-trick performance against Calgary, with Team Canada assistant GM Don Sweeney watching from the United Center. Is Bedard forcing his way onto the 2026 Olympic roster or is it still a long shot? Finally, the crew sends off producer Edgar Perez in his final episode.

On this episode of the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis break down Chicago’s 4-0-1 run over the last five games and how seamlessly players have stepped up amid injuries. They dive into Frank Nazar’s return, the tough break for Nick Foligno, and the growing confidence of Artyom Levshunov, who delivered arguably his best performance as a Blackhawk on Saturday against Toronto. The guys also discuss Sam Rinzel’s healthy scratch and explain why it could help his development, much like it did for Levshunov. Plus, a conversation about the power play finally turning a corner, a rare Laurent Brossoit sighting, and a look back at a memorable Centennial Celebration Night to close out The Originals chapter in front of a sellout crowd.