Chicago Blackhawks Ready as Jeff Blashill Returns to Tampa

The Chicago Blackhawks are back in action on Thursday night as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, with a familiar storyline leading into the matchup. Head coach Jeff Blashill will face his former boss, Jon Cooper, for the first time since taking over behind the Blackhawks’ bench, marking a full-circle moment for the 50-year-old coach.

Chicago hit the ice for practice in Tampa on Wednesday, hoping to continue their strong early-season form. The team has won three of its last four games and will look to keep the momentum going, even as a few lineup questions hang in the air.

Jeff Blashill reflects on his time with Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning

Before joining the Chicago Blackhawks, Jeff Blashill spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning under Jon Cooper, one of the NHL’s most respected bench bosses. The reunion brings a bit of nostalgia, but Blashill made it clear that the focus remains on helping his young Blackhawks continue their steady climb.

When asked what he learned from his time working with Cooper, Blashill smiled and offered a lighthearted response.

“Nothing,” he joked, before adding, “I’ve learned a lot from him over the years. When you get into a setting like they have [in Tampa Bay], you get a chance not just to learn from Cooper, but from the great coaching staff that he has and the great players on the team. Cooper does a really good job of delegating and utilizing his staff… that allowed him to focus on what’s most important, the relationships and communication with the players.”

Blashill went on to describe how that philosophy has shaped his approach in Chicago.

“Our No. 1 job is to get the most out of our players, and the way to do that ultimately is to build relationships, hold them accountable, and be in the fight with them,” he said. “I think Cooper does that as well as anyone in the league.”

The matchup will undoubtedly hold some personal meaning for Blashill, who is still seeking his first win behind the Blackhawks’ bench against his former team. A win in Tampa Bay would not only mark an important personal milestone but would also give the Hawks four wins in their last five games, a strong statement from a team that many doubted entering the season.

Chicago Blackhawks shuffle lineup ahead of lightning clash

While Blashill’s return to Tampa Bay provides a compelling narrative, the Chicago Blackhawks are also navigating a few lineup challenges heading into Thursday’s matchup.

Jason Dickinson, who has been dealing with a lingering injury, participated in some practice drills but won’t be ready to play against the Lightning.

“I don’t expect Dickinson tomorrow,” Blashill confirmed. “I would anticipate that Sunday [against Los Angeles] would be a better opportunity for him. We’ll take it day to day.”

Meanwhile, forward Andre Burakovsky missed practice on Wednesday, but for a heartwarming reason. The 30-year-old veteran and his wife, Johanna, welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Lily, earlier this week. Burakovsky’s status for Thursday’s game remains uncertain, and it’s unclear whether he’ll rejoin the team in Florida.

If Burakovsky remains unavailable, Lukas Reichel will step into his spot on the top line alongside Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi. Reichel skated with that group during Wednesday’s practice and previously found chemistry with Bedard in the Blackhawks’ 8–3 win over St. Louis last week, where he recorded a goal and an assist.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Colton Dach, Ryan Greene, and Ryan Donato are expected to remain together as the third line after a strong showing against the Anaheim Ducks. The second line of Teuvo Teravainen, Frank Nazar, and Ilya Mikheyev will also stay intact, continuing to provide energy and offensive depth.

One of the most uplifting stories in the Blackhawks’ locker room is the return of captain Nick Foligno, who missed three games due to a family health matter. Foligno’s 12-year-old daughter recently underwent a follow-up heart surgery but is now home and recovering well. His presence, both emotional and physical, has been a huge boost for the team.

“It’s great to have him back,” Blashill said earlier this week. “He’s our leader, and you always want that presence in your locker room. He brings energy, and we’re happy everything went well for his family.”

The Blackhawks are likely to continue rolling with an 11-forward, seven-defenseman lineup, something Blashill has favored in recent games. Landon Slaggert is expected to remain as the extra forward, while Sam Lafferty will once again be a healthy scratch.

Chicago Blackhawks eye another win in a tough road test

As the Chicago Blackhawks prepare to face the Lightning at Amalie Arena, they’ll be aiming for their fourth win in five games, a sign that this young team is starting to find its rhythm.

Even with key players missing, the Blackhawks have shown fight, structure, and confidence under Blashill’s leadership. A victory in Tampa Bay would not only strengthen their early-season momentum but also serve as a symbolic triumph for their coach, who now returns to the city where he once helped build a championship culture.

The post Chicago Blackhawks Ready as Jeff Blashill Returns to Tampa appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/jeff-blashill-returns-to-tampa