Chicago Blackhawks Return From Christmas Break | HOT Start To 2026 World Juniors!

Saturday's episode begins with a preview of the Chicago Blackhawks' matchup against the Dallas Stars following the Christmas break. Then, host Jack Bushman dives into an exciting first day at the 2026 World Junior Championship, as Anton Frondell, Vaclav Nestrasil, and AJ Spellacy each recorded two points. The episode concludes with a look around the NHL standings near the midway point of the season. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Preview vs. DAL (2:50)World Juniors Day 1 (16:30)NHL Standings (27:10) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wednesday's episode begins with a recap of the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, which extended their losing streak to six games heading into the Christmas break. Host Jack Bushman dives into the Blackhawks' offensive struggles without Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, why Nick Lardis and Oliver Moore aren't receiving more ice time, and the changes made to the forward lines. The episode concludes with a quick update on prospect AJ Spellacy making Team USA's roster for the 2026 World Junior Championship. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Recap vs. Flyers (1:45)Lardis' Ice Time (9:55)Spellacy Makes USA Roster (21:35) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Monday's episode begins with a recap of the Chicago Blackhawks' 6-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators, extending their losing streak to five games. Host Jack Bushman also breaks down the Blackhawks losing forward Frank Nazar for four weeks due to a facial injury, Nick Lardis scoring his first NHL goal, and the tank being back on in Chicago. The episode concludes with a discussion around the issues with backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Nazar Hurt vs. OTT (1:30)Outlook w/out Bedard & Nazar (9:50)Soderblom's Struggles (26:15) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thursday's episode begins with a preview of the Original Six matchup against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre, as the Chicago Blackhawks' road trip rolls into Montreal. Host Jack Bushman goes through the Blackhawks' projected lineup, Artyom Levshunov drawing back in after being healthy scratched on Tuesday, and what the team must do to win without Connor Bedard. Bushman also breaks down Marek Vanacker among the final cuts for Team Canada's World Juniors roster, and updates on the other OHL prospects in the Blackhawks system. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Preview vs. Montreal (1:05)Vanacker Cut By Team Canada (16:25)Prospects Update (24:40) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wednesday's episode begins with the latest updates on Connor Bedard's injury, as ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported that the Chicago Blackhawks superstar is dealing with a separated shoulder. Host Jack Bushman breaks down what this means for the Blackhawks before diving into a horrific finish to Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The episode concludes with thoughts on Laurent Brossoit clearing waivers and reporting back to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Bedard Injury News (1:15)Meltdown vs. Maple Leafs (10:05)Brossoit Clears Waivers (24:20) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tuesday's episode begins with a preview of the Chicago Blackhawks' Original Six matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs to begin the three-game road trip in Canada. Host Jack Bushman goes through the Blackhawks projected lineup and what the Maple Leafs have been up to since the first meeting in Chicago one month ago. Bushman also breaks down which Blackhawks MUST step up in Connor Bedard's absence to keep the team competitive and the latest updates on former first-round pick Lukas Reichel. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Preview vs. Toronto (1:10)Who Must Step Up w/out Bedard? (18:50)Reichel Updates (29:45) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Monday's episode begins with a discussion on Chicago Blackhawks star forward Connor Bedard getting placed on injured reserve, where he is expected to miss two to three weeks with an upper-body injury. Host Jack Bushman breaks down coach Jeff Blashill's comments on Bedard's injury, how the Blackhawks can try to survive without their superstar, and Nick Lardis' NHL debut in a 4-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. The episode concludes with the latest roster moves made by the Blackhawks, with Ethan Del Mastro being recalled from Rockford, and Laurent Brossoit getting placed on waivers. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Bedard Injury Update (1:15)Lardis' Debut (12:00)EDM, Brossoit News (22:50) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Saturday's episode begins with a recap of the Chicago Blackhawks' frustrating 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues, where superstar forward Connor Bedard also suffered a right shoulder/arm injury in the final seconds of the game. Host Jack Bushman breaks down the latest updates on Bedard and discusses top prospect Nick Lardis getting recalled from the Rockford IceHogs, plus, what the Blackhawks' lineup looks like without Bedard against the Detroit Red Wings. The episode concludes with an update on Blackhawks prospects Marek Vanacker and Mason West. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Bedard Injured vs. STL (1:35)Preview vs. Red Wings (13:40)Vanacker & West Updates (32:35) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Friday's episode begins with a preview of the Chicago Blackhawks' matchup with the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center. Host Jack Bushman breaks down the Blackhawks' struggles in back-to-backs, both teams' projected lineups, and keys to victory in St. Louis. The episode concludes with Part 2 of Deep Dive 3.0, breaking down the stats and analytics for the Blackhawks' defensemen this season. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Preview vs. Blues (1:00)Deep Dive 3.0/Defensemen (15:30) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thursday's episode begins with a recap of the Chicago Blackhawks' excellent 3-0 win over the New York Rangers at the United Center. Host Jack Bushman breaks down the Blackhawks holding the Rangers to only 21 shots on goal, Spencer Knight's second shutout of the season, Connor Bedard adding another two points, and Louis Crevier's clutch short-handed tally. The episode concludes with Part 1 of Deep Dive 3.0, as the Blackhawks are now 30 games through the 2025-26 season. All that and more on Locked On Blackhawks. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Clutch 3-0 Win vs. NYR (1:25)Deep Dive 3.0 Pt. 1 (14:25) Locked On Blackhawks Instagram @lockedonblackhawks Personal X account @JackBushman2 Catch all the latest Blackhawks news, deep analysis, injury updates, and insider perspectives from Locked On Blackhawks as the Chicago Blackhawks wind through a pivotal season for their rebuild. Support Our Show By Supporting Our Sponsors! 
Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.