Chicago Blackhawks’ morning update: 2-8-2020

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 18: Adam Boqvist #27 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 18, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 18: Adam Boqvist #27 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 18, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks have another off day today, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t new news to talk about.

Playoff Standings

The Chicago Blackhawks are now tied with 58 points with the Wild. The Wild won their game last night 3-2 against the Stars. So, the Wild are now on a three-game win streak. That hurts the Blackhawks because now they have ground to make up.

The Flames and Coyotes have played more games than the Blackhawks though. So just two points out of the playoffs, a win puts them in that eighth spot. They’re still in a good spot, even after losing two straight games in overtime.

There are a few key games to look at today. The Jets, Coyotes, Predators, and Flames all play. All of those teams are ahead of the Blackhawks, but by under three points. All of those teams, besides the Predators, will have played more games than the Blackhawks after tonight.

They’re all important games. What stinks is the Blackhawks have no control over any of those games.

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Upcoming Week

The Blackhawks have a huge week coming up. Every team they play is ahead of them in the standings. They’ll matchup against the Jets twice in the next eight days. The Oilers, Canucks, and Flames are also on the schedule.

The worse part is, these games are all on the road. It’s the most important stretch of the season. It can really make or break the team.

Injury Report

Adam Boqvist skated after practice on Friday. He had a solo skate and is rumored to return to practice soon. He could return as soon as today. He’s still questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jets.

Boqvist is an important player for the team. If he can be out there, it’ll really help the Blackhawks. It’s key for the whole team to stay healthy. If Boqvist misses a game or two, Nick Seeler should be able to step up. We’ll see.

Schedule