Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links: Kane And Murphy Captain Team USA

In this year’s World Championship, Team USA will be captained by two Chicago Blackhawks in Patrick Kane and Connor Murphy

While they are likely as disappointed as fans are that the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year, Blackhawks players are still finding ways to stay involved in the game.  On Tuesday, Team USA took on Denmark in an exhibition game and won 3-2.

Before the game, Team USA released its projected lines for their exhibition game against Denmark that included Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, Jordan Oesterle and Connor Murphy.  Kane is the captain of the team, while defenseman Murphy was named an alternate captain Tuesday.

After the exhibition, Kane played a game with kids in the stands where he made them guess a number between one and 100.  If one of the kids guessed the number he was thinking of correctly, he could have Kane’s game-used stick.  Kane routinely tosses pucks to fans at the United Center and is generally very charitable, but to a young fan small acts of kindness mean the world.

Finally, the Madhouse Podcast released a new episode featuring its analysis on the Blackhawks’ draft candidates that was very interesting.  Make sure you check it out!

IceHogs update

With their second-round series of the Calder Cup Playoffs starting Friday in Manitoba, the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs probably can’t wait to get into action again.  The team released a hype video previewing the series and also announced watch parties for the upcoming road games.

Goaltender Jeff Glass also joined 96.7 The Eagle to talk some playoff hockey.

Morning links

• What should the ‘Hawks do with the eighth pick? – NBC Sports Chicago
• Blackhawks review:  Anything and everything happened in net this season – The Athletic
• Jeff Glass previews the second round of the playoffs – 96.7 The Eagle
• Luke Johnson has taken advantage of his opportunity this season – The Athletic
• Rockford’s second-round opponent set – NHL.com