Jack’s Daily: Bolts & Bruins Respond; Mammoth First Playoff Win; Canucks GM News

Day four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs certainly did not disappoint, with all four games coming down to the wire, and two requiring overtime. In the end, three teams found a way to even up their respective first-round series at 1-1 with clutch Game 2 victories, while the Presidents’ Trophy winners grabbed a 2-0 stranglehold. In Blackhawks news, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonnette fired a shot at the Original Six franchise on social media following a monstrous performance from Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel.

Around the league, the Canucks have been linked to a former NHL general manager for their vacant position, Sunny Mehta’s poker face in New Jersey, and a reflection on Michael Misa’s rookie season in San Jose. All that & more in the Daily! Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Rumors Chicago Hockey Now: While the Blackhawks might not have finished where they wanted in the standings once again this season, there was plenty of positivity shared about the future during the team’s exit interviews on Thursday.

Head coach Jeff Blashill and GM Kyle Davidson were both excited by the growth shown from the young core and the camaraderie established in the locker room. More CHN: Players like Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, and more reflected on the ups and downs from the season during their respective exit interviews, while also touching on some of their offseason plans for the summer. Here are all the notable takeaways from the Blackhawks’ final media session until next fall.

While watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs from his hotel room, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonette fired two chirps at the Blackhawks via Twitter/X on Tuesday. Brandon Hagel, who the Blackhawks traded to Tampa Bay back in March 2022, recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick in Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens, and “Biz” let the Blackhawks hear about it. You seeing this @NHLBlackhawks ???