Morning Chirps: Kane's historic night, Fleury puts the pads back on

Hopefully, the Chicago Blackhawks have a short memory because they are right back at it tonight, hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center. You know the drill: enjoy your Morning Chirps, then come back for your game preview and postgame thoughts.

Blackhawks Chirps

• Thankfully, the Blackhawks are right back on the ice tonight after last night’s embarrassing 6-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. My postgame thoughts included a breakdown of the second defensive pairing’s nightmare game, Jeff Blashill’s telling comments, and Connor Bedard’s beautiful record-setting goal.

• With all three members of the Blackhawks' leadership group on expiring contracts, Justin Lynch looked into the three players who should be adding letters to the sweaters next year.

• Rockford IceHogs play-by-play man Dana Gray had a nice chat with defenseman Kevin Korchinski ahead of the AHL All-Star Classic. This is his second straight All-Star bid and was named the MVP of the Classic last year. The IceHogs will host all the All-Star festivities Feb. 10-11.

• On this date in 1969, the Blackhawks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 12-0 in the most lopsided shutout victory in franchise history. Dennis Hull led the way with two goals and five points, while Jim Pappin added to the onslaught with his second career hat trick.

• In 1977, Tony Esposito became the second goaltender in franchise history to win 250 games by beating the Cleveland Barons 9-3.

• In 2004, the Blackhawks snapped their franchise-record road losing streak of 19 games by beating the Calgary Flames 5-3. Tuomo Ruutu was the offensive hero with a pair of goals.

• Blackhawks Birthday Roll Call, Jan. 30: Ted Graham, Sam LoPresti, Brian Ogilvie, and Chris Simon.

NHL Chirps

• Thursday was a very newsworthy day for former Blackhawks. First and foremost, Patrick Kane recorded an assist on Ben Chiarot’s first-period goal for his 1,375th career point to pass Mike Modano as the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history.

• Shortly after the historic helper, Mike Modano addressed Kane with this prerecorded video message. Kane passed him on two lists last night, as he is now the sixth-highest scorer among number-one overall picks. He is trailing Sidney Crosby (1,744), Mario Lemieux (1,723), Alex Ovechkin (1,698), Joe Thornton (1,539), and Dale Hawerchuk (1,409).

• The game was absolutely crazy as the Washington Capitals beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in a shootout. Capitals’ top goaltender Logan Thompson didn’t dress for the game after being hit in the mask with a puck in the last game. Charlie Lindgren was injured at the end of overtime, but remained in for the shootout. He gave up goals on the Red Wings' first two attempts, but Dylan Larkin hit the post on their third attempt. Washington scored on all three of their attempts and then carried Lindgren back to the locker. That’s hockey, baby!

• Artemi Panarin will be the biggest name available on the trade market between now and the March 6 deadline. Recent reports say he doesn’t want to be traded without signing a contract extension first. It’s rather surprising that he doesn't want to hit free agency and benefit from a bidding war since he’ll be the best player available. According to Kevin Weekes, nearly half the league has inquired about his availability.

Retired goaltender and future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury took part in the Minnesota Wild’s practice on Thursday. This, of course, got the rumors buzzing about him coming out of retirement and playing for a Stanley Cup contender.

• The NHL announced that the Dallas Stars will host the Vegas Golden Knights at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, on Feb. 20, 2027. The Stadium Series game will be the second outdoor game for the Stars and the third for the Golden Knights.

• On Wednesday, Travis Konecny scored the 29th hat trick of January, tying the NHL record for the most in one calendar month. Last night, Alex Tuch broke that record with three goals in the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Alex Lyon won his 10th game in a row, setting a new franchise record for the longest winning streak by a goaltender.

• NHL Birthday Roll Call, Jan. 30: Larry Carriere, Steve Heinze, Trent Klatt, Alexander Khavanov, Dan Hinote, Torrey Mitchell, Luca Sbisa, Joe Colborne, Ryan Spooner, Justin Holl, Coline White, Thomas Chabot, Arber Xhekaj, and Mason McTavish.