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.

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.