Chicago Blackhawks Return to Practice as Team USA Prepares for Olympics

Podcast hosts discuss team updates, player call-ups, and Olympic hockey action

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Jay Zawaski and Mario Tirabassi share updates from the Chicago Blackhawks' latest practice, including head coach Jeff Blashill's comments on ramping up after the break, power play adjustments, and building physicality on defense. The podcast also covers the call-ups of Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel from the Rockford IceHogs, with Rinzel quarterbacking the power play, as well as the latest on the Men's Olympic hockey teams gearing up for the semi-finals and the hosts' reaction to Team USA's gold medal win in the Women's Olympic Hockey tournament.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks are looking to build momentum heading into the second half of the NHL season, while Team USA's men's and women's hockey teams are aiming for Olympic glory. This podcast provides an inside look at the Blackhawks' preparations and the excitement surrounding the Olympics.

The details

During the Blackhawks' practice, head coach Jeff Blashill discussed the team's focus on ramping up their play after the break, making adjustments to the power play, and emphasizing physicality on defense. The podcast also covered the call-ups of defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel from the Rockford IceHogs, with Rinzel taking on a key role quarterbacking the power play. Additionally, the hosts shared updates on the Men's Olympic hockey teams gearing up for the semi-finals and their reaction to Team USA's gold medal win in the Women's Olympic Hockey tournament.

  • The Chicago Blackhawks held a practice on February 19, 2026.

The players

Jeff Blashill

Head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Kevin Korchinski

Defenseman who was called up from the Rockford IceHogs to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Sam Rinzel

Defenseman who was called up from the Rockford IceHogs to the Chicago Blackhawks and is quarterbacking the power play.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This podcast provides an inside look at the Chicago Blackhawks' preparations for the second half of the NHL season, as well as the excitement surrounding the Olympic hockey tournaments, where Team USA is aiming for gold.