The Blackhawks are relying on two young centers, Anton Frondell and Ryan Greene, to handle the toughest defensive matchups. "Playing those top-line minutes against the best lines, that’s extremely hard to do." New story examining how it's going: chicago.suntimes.com/blackha…

At the United Center, construction has eliminated 1,100+ parking spots. Prices have increased, too. Blackhawks fans are frustrated. The UC, which controls parking (the Hawks don't), says it has "reassessed our operations" to fix problems. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackha…

Jeff Blashill took some blame for the Blackhawks' poor breakouts, saying they hadn't worked on it enough. They are working on it this week, particularly "goalie-touch" breakouts from behind the net. "We've got to make sure we get back and we're clear on: 1) our support — you've got to sprint back and help each other out — and 2) who's open, how our talk is."

NHL home teams are 81-49-10 so far this season. It's the first time since 2021 that home teams have won 80+ of the league's first 140 games, per NHL Stats and Information. Back in 2016-17, home teams started 90-45-5, which is the all-time record.

More Blackhawks practice

Patrick Kane's thoughts on the Blackhawks' first nine games: "I don’t think it’s a talent issue at all, to be honest... A lot of mistakes either come when we have the puck on our sticks or give up odd-man rushes when there’s no need to." More in here: chicago.suntimes.com/blackha…

Patrick Kane admits he hasn't had a "dream start" to the season. He hasn't scored since the season opener, for one thing. But he also sees reasons for optimism, both for himself and the Blackhawks. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackha…

Bowen Byram is absent from Blackhawks practice again today

Andrew Mangiapane, injured since the opener, is back with the Blackhawks, skating in a non-contact jersey today

Blackhawks are practicing today, and Arvid Soderblom is breaking in some new green-trimmed pads — just a liiiiiittle hint toward what color the Hawks’ soon-to-be-announced Hometown Remix jerseys might be…

No-trade clauses have become ubiquitous around the NHL, and the Blackhawks have very much contributed to the trend. But the Hawks' biggest challenge long-term could be convincing star trade targets not to include them on their no-trade lists. New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackha…

Blackhawks send Dominic Toninato back to Rockford during this break in their schedule

It's funny how hockey tends to balance out over time. The Blackhawks surprisingly went 4-0-0 vs. Utah and 2-0-1 vs. Dallas last season. This season, they've already lost to both — by a combined 10-0 score. Postgame notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackha…

Anton Frondell only played 12:40 tonight. Blashill: "He probably got shorted a little more than he should have. He didn’t have the same level he’s had. Honestly, he’s been excellent. He had a bit of an off night and he’ll be better on Friday."

Connor Bedard: "They probably won more battles than us, and we just weren't crisp tonight. I don't think we were in the right spots for each other... We want to play fast and fly the zone, but we've got to make sure guys have an easy out."

FINAL: Stars 4, Blackhawks 0 Hawks shut out at home for the first time since Dec. 13 vs. Detroit last season — the day after Bedard got hurt. They did have some chances tonight, but Oettinger was excellent.

Stars goal: Hintz snipe from an angle makes it 4-0.

Stars goal: Hyry slips through and scores on a semi-breakaway, catching the Hawks on a change right after their PK ended. Hawks trail 3-0 with 18:33 left