Morning Chirps: 12-6 lineup coming back, new leading rookie scorer

The Chicago Blackhawks are back at it tonight as they host the New York Rangers for another national broadcast. We’ll be at morning skate and will get you updated as soon as they get off the ice. Check back in later tonight for some thoughts and analysis after the game.

Blackhawks Chirps

• Yesterday was an eventful day at Blackhawks practice. The team recalled forward Dominic Toninato from the American Hockey League, Jeff Blashill used 12 forwards, and a special appearance by captain Nick Foligno. Check out all the notes from Tuesday’s practice.

• Here’s a Toninato highlight package courtesy of the IceHogs’ Dana Grey.

• Ty Glenn gave us three things the Blackhawks need to improve if they want to get back in the win column tonight.

• Scott Rogust has the latest on Connor Bedard’s Olympic chances as the roster deadline gets closer.

• Our newest contributor, Jasmine Johnson, checked in on the Blackhawks’ goaltending duo of Spencer and Arvid Soderblom.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Dec. 10: Hec Highton, Rene Bourque, and Jaycob Megna.

NHL Chirps

• The Colorado Avalanche activated forward Gavin Brindley from injured reserve. He returned ahead of schedule after suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 20 against the Rangers. His teammate, Nathan MacKinnon, became the first player to 50 points for the second straight season. He joins Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Mario Lemieux as the only players to be the NHL’s first 50-point scorer in back-to-back seasons in the last 30 years.

• The Dallas Stars got another key player back last night as defenseman Thomas Harley returned to their lineup after missing nearly a month with a lower-body injury. He played 17:32 in his return, as the Stars extended their point streak to 11 by beating the Winnipeg Jets 4-3.  

• Speaking of the Jets, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck could return to the lineup as early as next week. Last season’s Hart and Vezina Trophy winner underwent a minor arthroscopic knee surgery in mid-November and appears to be ahead of schedule. Winnipeg will be happy to get their top netminder back as they are currently in sixth place in the Central Division with 29 points.

• The Vancouver Canucks expect their top goaltender to be back soon. Head coach Adam Foote told the media that they will have Thatcher Demko back in the crease with they host the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow night. He has been out of action since Nov. 11 with a lower-body injury.

• Beckett Sennecke had an assist and the game-tying goal with 0.1 seconds left in regulation to help the Anaheim Ducks beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in a shootout. He is now the leading rookie scorer as he’s the first rookie to record 25 points this season.

• We saw two big personal milestones last night, as Jake Guetzel of the Tampa Bay Lightning reached 600 career points, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny hit 500 career points.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Dec. 8: Rob Blake, Alex Steeves, and Ivan Demidov.