Blackhawks On Tap: On-Ice Struggles and Coaching Challenges

Four weeks to go in the Chicago Blackhawks 2024-25 season. It's been one for the books. The draft lottery will get people excited... well, maybe not since it's not a deep draft. Free agency will inject spice in the offseason unless the only top free agent, Mitch Marner, doesn't want to sign with Chicago. But the coaching search will be fun, or Kyle Davidson could stick with Anders Sorensen and send me to a dark place. 

Happy thoughts. 

Blackhawks Happy Hour 

5. Wirtz Speaks 

Danny Wirtz, owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, isn't obligated to speak during a rebuilding year, but it sure would be nice to hear from him. You can check out an interview he did with Scott Powers of the Athletic. He doesn't say much.

4. Stream Dreams 

Utah HC owner Ryan Smith announced that their streaming app would cost $1 to watch the remaining regular season games for Utah. Utah HC+ isn't the only app that provides fans with an easy way to access games to their favorite hockey team. In other news, Wirtz rolled out plans on how to catch games for free via HAM radio. That's a joke, just in case.

3. Sweet Home Chicago 

Connor Bedard is pushing out content to reassure fans that he's not going anywhere. You'll still find people fear-mongering about Bedard wanting out. If you're scared, read this On Tap Sports Network article as a safety blanket. 

2. Donato's Price 

Blackhawks reporters have been speculating about Ryan Donato's potential extension. Looking to be somewhere in the $4 million range. Donato has been pretty vocal about wanting to stay in Chicago. I would be very surprised if a deal doesn't fall through. And angry. I'd be very angry.

1. Free Agency Murmers

 Free agency rumors are beginning to swirl. With Mikko Rantanen signing with the Dallas Stars, the big player on the market will be Mitch Marner. A star winger who Kyle Davidson should absolutely go after. But does Marner want to come to Chicago? 

Tasting Flight - Game Recaps

With every week that passes, I somehow find a new low in the Blackhawks season. This six-game losing streak has my feelings numbed as I'm left emotionally drained after questioning Anders Sorensen's decisions. Here are recaps of this week's games:

• Blackhawks Fall Flat in 6-2 Loss to Vancouver Canucks
• Blackhawks Defense Cracks in 6-2 Loss Against Seattle
• Blackhawks Continue Their Downward Spiral in 3-1 Loss to the Kings

Closing Time - News Recap

I'm not one for overreacting, but I think it's refreshing that every week, it seems like we're getting positive news from our prospects in the NCAA. Sam Rinzel was named the Defensive Player of the Year in Big Ten hockey. That's awesome. Does it mean Rinzel will be a sure thing? No. But it's promising.

Colton Dach was injured in the Blackhawks 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on March 20. Dach is listed day-to-day with a hyperextended elbow. 

I took another deep look at interim head coach Anders Sorensen's decisions behind the bench. I'm fairly confident that Sorensen should not be the next Blackhawks head coach. You can read about his tactical decision-making in this article. 

Spittin' Piglets - Rockford IceHogs Updates

The Rockford IceHogs had a rough week that included a three-game back-to-back weekend. The IceHogs won their game on Friday evening, March 14, against the Hartford Wolf Pack 4-0. Rockford lost the next three games: 3-1 against the Grand Rapids Griffins, 2-1 against the Milwaukee Admirals, and 3-2 in OT against the Manitoba Moose. 

Drew Commesso earned his shutout against the Wolf Pack but lost against the Admirals and the Moose. Samuel Savoie had an assist, Kevin Korchinski had a goal and an assist, and Nolan Allen had an assist during the week. 

Both Paul Ludwinski and Gavin Hayes were quiet in those four games, as both players had zero points. 

What's On Tap Next?

The Blackhawks have four games in the upcoming week. The Hawks play in St. Louis on March 22 and play the rest of the games at home. If you're dreading Blackhawks hockey, the NCAA will announce their Frozen Four bracket on March 23. 

• Saturday, March 22 @ St. Louis Blues - 2 p.m. CT
• Sunday, March 23 vs. Philadelphia Flyers - 2 p.m. CT
• Wednesday, March 26 vs. New Jersey Devils - 7:30 p.m. CT
• Friday, March 28 vs. Vegas Golden Knights - 7:30 p.m. CT

Hang in there, Blackhawks fans.