Ben Pope
@benpopecst.bsky.social
📤 2624
📥 74
📝 464
Chicago Blackhawks beat reporter for the Sun-Times
The Blackhawks were dealt an extremely tough hand today in terms of travel logistics, injuries and matchup. They persevered through it all, upsetting the Stars 4-3 after Nick Lardis' shootout winner. Postgame story from Dallas:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks escape Dallas with unlikely victory after Nick Lardis' shootout winner
The Hawks persevered through difficult travel logistics with an out-manned lineup to upset the Stars on the road Saturday, snapping their six-game losing streak.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/27/blackhawks-stars-shootout-nick-lardis-arvid-soderblom-nhl-travel
about 3 hours ago
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The Blackhawks are on pace for 73 points (up from 61 and 52 the last two seasons) and a -34 goal diff (up from -70 and -111). Yet they're also on pace to enter the draft lottery with the best odds — thanks to the NHL's parity this season. Story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks tracking toward another top-five draft pick due to NHL parity
The Hawks are on pace to finish with 73 points this season, up from 61 last year and 52 the year before. But if the season ended today, they would nonetheless enter the draft lottery with their highes...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/26/blackhawks-nhl-parity-draft-pick-odds-sharks
1 day ago
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Many Blackhawks fans are fed up with rebuilding. They made their voices heard in replies to my Davidson story yesterday. And that's one big reason why other NHL franchises are so reluctant to take the rebuild leap. The Hawks have become a test case. New column:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' rebuild is test case for other NHL franchises considering taking the leap
Is the potential payoff of rebuilding worth the strain it puts on the fan base? The Hawks are grappling with that right now, and the outcome might influence decisions around the league.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/25/blackhawks-nhl-rebuild-test-case-fan-frustration-canucks
3 days ago
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We're nearly four years into the Blackhawks' rebuild. What comes next? I asked Kyle Davidson to lay out his plan. "What we learn over the next year or two will determine where this group goes and what we need to add." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson lays out the next steps of his rebuilding plan
The Hawks' long rebuild has yielded ample young talent, and Davidson plans to give those kids plenty of time to prove themselves in the NHL: "What we learn over the next year or two will determine whe...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/24/blackhawks-next-steps-kyle-davidson-nhl-rebuild-plan
4 days ago
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Matt Grzelcyk is giving the Blackhawks much-needed steadiness in a larger-than-expected role. He's averaged 20+ min over the last 6 games. Not bad for a camp PTO signing. "There’s less highs and lows with him." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Matt Grzelcyk giving Blackhawks much-needed steadiness in larger-than-expected role
Amid a rough stretch for the team and its youth, Grzelcyk — the 31-year-old defenseman signed three days before the season opener — has proven to be surprisingly important and helpful.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/22/blackhawks-matt-grzelcyk-steady-mentor-artyom-levshunov-nhl
5 days ago
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What does the future hold for Nick Lardis with the Blackhawks? Nashville's Luke Evangelista offers some clues. "Learning to be consistent and maintain that kind of production throughout a full pro season is going to be big for him." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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What does Nick Lardis' future with the Blackhawks hold? Luke Evangelista offers some clues
Evangelista, a third-year forward for the Predators, has a lot in common with Lardis, and he believes the Hawks rookie's success will be determined by his ability to achieve consistency at the NHL lev...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/21/blackhawks-nick-lardis-nhl-future-predators-luke-evangelista-consistency
6 days ago
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The Blackhawks have been hammered by bad news and bad results over the past two weeks, and the hailstorm didn't let up today. Frank Nazar will miss approximately 4 weeks after suffering an injury in a 6-4 loss to the Senators today. Postgame story from Ottawa:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Things keep getting worse for Blackhawks: Frank Nazar to miss four weeks after loss to Senators
Nazar left Saturday's game early after taking a puck to the face, and the Hawks limped to their fifth consecutive loss, 6-4.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/20/frank-nazar-injury-blackhawks-senators-connor-bedard-nick-lardis
7 days ago
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The Blackhawks' goalie depth chart beneath Spencer Knight is getting complicated. Soderblom has struggled recently. Brossoit is stuck, for now. Commesso and Berezhnoy need to play. So I asked Kyle Davidson where things stand. New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Breaking down Blackhawks' goalie depth chart with Laurent Brossoit stuck, Arvid Soderblom struggling
Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson explained the tricky Brossoit situation, defended Soderblom and foreshadowed a minor-league move Friday.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/19/blackhawks-goalies-laurent-brossoit-arvid-soderblom-spencer-knight-drew-commesso
8 days ago
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Life without Connor Bedard is proving to be as grueling for the Blackhawks in 2025-26 as it was in 2023-24. They generated only 15 SOG in a 4-1 loss tonight in Montreal. Postgame story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks create few shots, fewer goals as skid continues in loss to Canadiens
The Hawks continue to show little ability to generate offense without Connor Bedard. An early, drought-snapping Frank Nazar goal was their only marker Thursday in a 4-1 defeat.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/18/blackhawks-canadiens-offense-frank-nazar-jeff-blashill-connor-bedard
9 days ago
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The Blackhawks are trying out two PP units with roughly even talent distribution. Neither is officially PP1. "This way, we can work the hands the way we want them...and get guys in the spots where they’re most comfortable." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks switch up power-play units, seeking spark without Connor Bedard
Jeff Blashill will try out two evenly distributed groups on the man advantage, one featuring five left-handed shots, in hopes of creating more after a two-for-20 skid.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/18/blackhawks-power-play-units-connor-bedard-teuvo-teravainen-frank-nazar
10 days ago
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Draft picks will continue to be important assets for the Blackhawks moving forward — but as trade chips as much as anything. They can put in work now to build up a supply of picks in 2027, 2028 and beyond to have at their disposal. New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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For trade purposes, Blackhawks should try to spread out draft picks to 2027 and beyond
As the Hawks exit their rebuild, picks become more valuable as trade chips than as sources of young talent. If they can amass a treasure chest of future picks now, they'll be well-positioned to contro...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/17/blackhawks-future-draft-picks-trade-purposes-rebuild-kyle-davidson
10 days ago
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Over the past 48 hours, the Blackhawks worked hard to adjust strategies to give them a chance of succeeding without Connor Bedard. They executed all of those things tonight. And they still lost. It was a real "gut punch." Postgame story from Toronto:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks stunned by 'gut punch' loss to Maple Leafs after strong road performance
The Hawks felt like they executed everything necessary to succeed without Connor Bedard for 55 minutes Tuesday, but a late meltdown doomed them in a 3-2 defeat.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/16/blackhawks-maple-leafs-gut-punch-jeff-blashill-wyatt-kaiser-jason-dickinson
11 days ago
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Another news-filled day for the Blackhawks in Toronto: 🔹 Levshunov scratched due to tardiness after Blashill's eruption 🔹Bedard on the trip despite shoulder injury 🔹How Brossoit clearing waivers affects trade outlook Story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks scratch Artyom Levshunov for tardiness after Jeff Blashill's eruption
Blashill lectured Levshunov on Monday in Chicago for showing up late to practice and missing his turn through a drill, then took him out of the Hawks' lineup Tuesday against the Maple Leafs.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/16/blackhawks-artyom-levshunov-scratch-late-jeff-blashill-maple-leafs
12 days ago
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Blackhawks prospect Vaclav Nestrasil was just hoping for a decent role as a freshman at UMass. With 20 points in 18 games, he has blown away his own expectations. "Everything is clicking for me right now." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks prospect Vaclav Nestrasil blowing away his own expectations at UMass
Nestrasil, the 25th overall pick in last summer's draft, has transitioned surprisingly well to college hockey. While building up strength, he's creating plenty of offense off the rush.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/14/blackhawks-prospects-vaclav-nestrasil-umass-hockey-offense-off-the-rush
14 days ago
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Patrick Kane skated into the UC with the attitude it was his house and his party. Without Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks were powerless to stop him. "It’s definitely strange, but if you’re a guy that has had such an impact on a city..." Postgame story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks powerless to stop Patrick Kane's Red Wings in first game without Connor Bedard
After an assertive Kane pushed the Wings out to an early lead, the reeling Hawks got shut out 4-0 in Nick Lardis' NHL debut Saturday.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/13/blackhawks-red-wings-patrick-kane-connor-bedard-nick-lardis-laurent-brossoit
14 days ago
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The Blackhawks' offense will need a miracle to stay afloat without Connor Bedard — no matter the length of his absence. Can Nick Lardis provide that miracle? New column:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' offense needs a miracle to survive Connor Bedard's absence. Can Nick Lardis provide one?
The Hawks moved swiftly Saturday to fill the gaping hole in their top six, calling up prolific 20-year-old AHL scorer Lardis to make his NHL debut.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/13/blackhawks-connor-bedard-injury-miracle-nick-lardis-nhl-offense
15 days ago
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Connor Bedard’s injury hangs over the Blackhawks after a 3-2 loss tonight. Jeff Blashill called it a “freak accident” and said Bedard won’t play tomorrow vs Detroit, with his status TBD beyond that. Postgame notebook from St. Louis:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Connor Bedard injured in Blackhawks' loss to Blues: 'It's a freak accident'
Bedard left the ice holding his right arm or shoulder in great pain after the final horn of the Hawks' 3-2 loss Friday. Coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard won't play Saturday.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/12/connor-bedard-injury-blackhawks-blues-freak-accident
15 days ago
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The Blackhawks are playing a minor role in the sudden scrutiny on hand passes around the NHL. If unintentional, hand contact is only prohibited if it "allowed his team to gain an advantage." Unsurprisingly, it turns out that's a gray area. New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks playing minor role in sudden scrutiny on NHL hand passes
Four challenges in the past week, including one that negated a Hawks goal Wednesday, have turned a spotlight on the ambiguity of the league's hand-pass rule.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/12/blackhawks-nhl-hand-pass-rule-controversy-colton-dach-jeff-blashill
15 days ago
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Blackhawks defensemen have their own blind-spot detection system: Spencer Knight's voice. "In front of the net, he’ll be like 'Middle, middle!' or 'Backdoor!'" "He reads the game really well, so we all trust him very much." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks defensemen have their own blind-spot detection system: Spencer Knight's voice
Knight is unusually vocal for a goalie, using his unique vantage point to let his teammates know when there's an opposing player they can't see. It's another way he has been invaluable for the Hawks t...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/11/blackhawks-spencer-knight-voice-blind-spot-detection-louis-crevier-defensemen
17 days ago
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The Blackhawks bounced back from disaster with a "refocused" effort tonight, shutting out the Rangers 3-0. "I’ll give this team a lot of credit. When we either practice stuff or go through stuff on video, they have done an excellent job of applying it." Story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks shut out Rangers, bouncing back from disaster with 'refocused' effort
The Blackhawks kept their tightest gaps of the season (in coach Jeff Blashill's opinion) and Spencer Knight made 21 saves for his second shutout in a 3-0 win Wednesday.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/10/blackhawks-rangers-jeff-blashill-spencer-knight-louis-crevier-frank-nazar
17 days ago
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Anton Frondell's ice time with Djurgarden has fluctuated. But the Blackhawks are telling him to prioritize himself. "He can still dominate that game. He’s that strong. He’s that good. He doesn’t need to defer to the older players." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks want top prospect Anton Frondell to prioritize himself in Sweden: 'He can still dominate'
Frondell's ice time with his Swedish club, Djurgarden, has fluctuated this season, but his production remains solid. The Hawks want the No. 3 overall pick not to worry about factors out of his control...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/10/blackhawks-prospects-anton-frondell-sweden-djurgarden-nhl-ice-time
18 days ago
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Jeff Blashill on Sam Rinzel's AHL assignment: "This is a really hard league, if you start to struggle, to gain traction. So go down and get your swagger with the puck back." New Blackhawks notebook:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks hoping Sam Rinzel can get 'swagger' back in AHL
Rinzel hasn't lived up to lofty expectations this season, but it is very rare for defensemen in particular to become NHL regulars without some developmental time in Rockford.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/09/blackhawks-sam-rinzel-ahl-rockford-swagger-six-defensemen-lineup
18 days ago
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Artyom Levshunov has high risk tolerance. But he’s also becoming more consistent and predictable, even when making risky plays. “You’re worried something bad might happen, but then he makes the play. It is funny when you see a guy so relaxed.” New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks impressed by Artyom Levshunov's calmness in chaotic situations: 'He's never rushing'
Levshunov has gotten more consistent and responsible as his rookie season has progressed, but there's still a hilarious contrast between his unflappability and his high risk tolerance.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/09/blackhawks-artyom-levshunov-calmness-high-risk-sam-rinzel-connor-bedard
19 days ago
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The Blackhawks' disastrous weekend leads to an inflection point in their season. They're 2-6-2 over their last 10 games. Is this their true form? Or is this just a temporary valley in their growth trajectory? New column:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' disastrous weekend leads to inflection point: Where is their season headed?
Over their last 10 games, the Hawks have gone 2-6-2 and been outscored 42-22, including 13-1 this weekend. Is this their true form? Or can they right the ship?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/08/blackhawks-season-inflection-point-kings-ducks-weekend-jeff-blashill
20 days ago
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Connor Bedard deserves credit for his improvement with faceoffs: 2023-24: 38.9% 2024-25: 38.3% 2025-26: 48.1% "I’m trying to keep that consistency, and I feel like I’ve done a better job of that this year." That's part 2 of this Bedard update:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' Connor Bedard 'wants to be' on Canada's Olympic roster, but he knows others do, too
Bedard's fantastic season has pushed him into the conversation for a possible invitation to Milan, but he insisted Sunday it's "not something I'm too worried about."
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/08/connor-bedard-olympics-canada-roster-nhl-faceoffs
20 days ago
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The Blackhawks just endured their worst weekend since 1951. That's what happens when you lose 6-0 and 7-1 on consecutive nights. "This is a time where it felt like they didn’t learn a lesson from Buffalo." Postgame story from Anaheim:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks hammered by Ducks, completing team's worst weekend since 1951
The Hawks' 7-1 blowout loss Sunday — following their 6-0 blowout loss Saturday — marked a historically terrible two-game stretch.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/07/blackhawks-ducks-worst-weekend-1951-arvid-soderblom
20 days ago
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The second half of the Blackhawks’ Los Angeles residency didn’t go nearly as well as the first half. "Unfortunate that we let it get to that point." Postgame story after a 6-0 loss:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks suffer rare blowout loss in rematch against Kings
Things spiraled out of control for the Hawks on Saturday in a 6-0 loss, but they'll have to bounce back quickly Sunday against the Ducks.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/06/blackhawks-kings-blowout-loss-ducks-oliver-moore
21 days ago
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Can the Blackhawks be a "PDO team"? Can they keep defying the analytics models with efficient scoring and goaltending? With Bedard, Knight and a system that reduces blocked shots in both ways, they might have a chance. New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Can the Blackhawks keep defying analytics models with efficient scoring and goaltending?
The Hawks don't possess the puck much, yet they've managed to outscore their opposition so far this season. There's some luck involved, but there's something real behind it, too.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/06/blackhawks-analytics-efficiency-connor-bedard-spencer-knight-blocking-shots
22 days ago
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In the NHL, you sometimes don't have your legs. The Blackhawks' youngsters are learning how to still play competently on those nights. "You can win with your B-game." This weekend's back-to-back will be a test. New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' youngsters learning how to play competently even when not feeling their best
Every NHL player experiences the phenomenon of sometimes "not having his legs," and it takes time to figure out how to overcome that with simplification and brainpower. The Hawks' ability to do so wil...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/05/blackhawks-not-having-legs-kings-ducks-alex-vlasic-oliver-moore
22 days ago
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The Blackhawks are punching above their weight this season. On the penalty kill specifically, though, they're punching at their weight. They're legitimately stacked with superb killers, and those guys are delivering, Postgame story from LA:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' top-five penalty kill delivers again in win over Kings
The Ilya Mikheyev-led penalty kill moved up to fourth in the NHL with a five-for-five showing Thursday, and the Hawks extended their point streak to three games with a 2-1 victory.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/05/blackhawks-kings-penalty-kill-ilya-mikheyev-wyatt-kaiser
23 days ago
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Blackhawks prospect Roman Kantserov leads the KHL with 22 goals and continues to raise his stock ahead of his expected 2026 NHL arrival. "He has the skill but also the bulldog mentality where he’s going to battle." New story with lots of Hawks prospect updates:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks prospect updates: Roman Kantserov showing 'bulldog mentality' in Russia as NHL arrival nears
Kantserov leads the KHL with 22 goals this season and continues to cement himself as a top prospect for the Hawks, who plan to sign him in 2026.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/04/blackhawks-prospect-updates-roman-kantserov-john-mustard-sacha-boisvert-jack-pridham
23 days ago
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It's clear now: Connor Bedard will be a championship-caliber centerpiece for the Blackhawks. He's proving his immeasurable value every night this season. No matter the price tag on his next contract, it will be worth it. New column:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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It's clear now: Connor Bedard will be a championship-caliber centerpiece for Blackhawks
Bedard's 2025-26 season keeps getting better and better as he heads toward lucrative contract negotiations next summer. But no matter the price tag, he will be worth it for the Hawks.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/03/connor-bedard-blackhawks-contract-negotiations-championship-centerpiece
25 days ago
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Wyatt Kaiser, the most multifaceted Blackhawk, has found a new outlet for creativity: playing guitar. "I’ve played hockey for so long that your improvements are tiny and tiny. Whereas trying to relearn how to do something is fun again." New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser has found another outlet for his creativity: playing guitar
Kaiser is enjoying the process of learning a new skill — he even brings a portable guitar on Hawks road trips — while simultaneously fine-tuning his game on the ice.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/03/blackhawks-wyatt-kaiser-playing-guitar-music-jeff-blashill
25 days ago
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The Blackhawks are now 1-6 in OT/SO games this season. Jeff Blashill would love to flip their record with the Ducks, who are 6-1 in those situations. Still, their young players are gaining valuable experience every time. Postgame story from Vegas:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' youth gains more valuable experience in shootout loss to Golden Knights
After their 4-3 defeat Tuesday, the Hawks are now 1-6 in games that have gone to overtime this season — a record that, if flipped, would make them look a lot better.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/03/blackhawks-golden-knights-youth-oliver-moore-connor-bedar
25 days ago
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Big crowds throughout Thanksgiving week boosted the Blackhawks' attendance after a concerning October. Due to marketing campaigns and the team's on-ice improvement, ticket sales should remain stronger moving forward. New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Analyzing Blackhawks' attendance: Ticket sales back on track after slow start
A crowded Thanksgiving week boosted the Hawks' attendance average up to a respectable 18,094 per game this season, and the team feels confident that sales won't dip back to October levels moving forwa...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/12/01/blackhawks-attendance-ticket-sales-united-center-nhl-sharks-wild
26 days ago
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The Blackhawks desperately needed a win today, and Connor Bedard ensured they got one. He led a 5-3 comeback over the Ducks with some swagger. "[When] he puts up two and two, he can walk around with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder." Postgame story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Fired-up Connor Bedard rallies Blackhawks past Ducks for much-needed win
Bedard racked up four points with swagger and emotion Sunday, helping the Hawks snap their losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Ducks.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/30/blackhawks-ducks-connor-bedard-fiery-mason-mctavish-nhl-comeback
27 days ago
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Spencer Knight's breakout season for the Blackhawks is being fueled by a perfect recipe of off-ice recovery habits: 🔹Red-light mats... 🔹Intermission meals... 🔹Sleeping on the plane... "It’s crazy, but I’ve got to respect that." New feature story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Why the Blackhawks are amazed by Spencer Knight's off-ice habits: Red-light mats, intermission meals and more
Knight's approach is unique, but the 24-year-old goalie has found the perfect recipe to maximize his performance, health and recovery in his breakout 2025-26 season.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/30/blackhawks-nhl-goalie-spencer-knight-off-ice-habits-red-light-mat
28 days ago
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Frank Nazar has had a quiet, goal-less November for the Blackhawks. That’s partly because he was playing through injury, although he insists he feels better now. New story breaking down more factors that contributed to his cooldown:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Four factors behind Frank Nazar's quiet November for the Blackhawks
Nazar has gone more than a month without scoring a goal due to an injury, shooting regression and a few other things.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/29/blackhawks-frank-nazar-november-injury-tyler-bertuzzi-teuvo-teravainen
29 days ago
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Jeff Blashill will have to manage the Blackhawks' shaken confidence after a 4-3 loss tonight against the Predators — their fifth straight. "Only the most mentally tough survive this league, so we’re going to have to be mentally tough and dig in." Story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks extend losing streak as Jeff Blashill calls for more mental toughness
The Hawks' 4-3 defeat against the struggling Predators on Friday marked their fifth straight loss. Their confidence seems shaken.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/28/blackhawks-predators-losing-streak-jeff-blashill-andre-burakovsky-ryan-greene
29 days ago
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The NHL's Thanksgiving rule doesn't seem applicable this year. With so much parity and such tightly packed standings, it feels like the Blackhawks — even in this skid — still have a decent chance of playing meaningful games in March. New column:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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NHL parity this season gives Blackhawks better chance of playing meaningful games in March
The standings are remarkably bunched together on this Thanksgiving, with first and last place in the East separated by just nine points and third and third-to-last in the West also separated by just n...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/27/blackhawks-meaniningful-games-nhl-standings-predators-matt-grzelcyk
about 1 month ago
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Only two NHL teams have spent fewer than 300 minutes trailing this season: the Blackhawks and the Avalanche. Only because of the Hawks' lead-protection problems are they now a mediocre 10-8-5 after falling 4-3 in OT tonight against Minnesota. Postgame story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' lead-protection problems continue in overtime loss to Wild
The Hawks played extremely well for 39 minutes Wednesday but still wound up falling 4-3 in overtime, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. They've now squandered 2-0 leads in three of their last fo...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/26/blackhawks-lead-protection-problems-wild-connor-bedard-united-center
about 1 month ago
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Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis' prolific scoring hasn't been stunted by the OHL-to-AHL leap. "You can’t overlook that it is rare to have players who jump and still have that impact." But Lardis would likely benefit from a full AHL season. Here's why:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks prospect updates: Nick Lardis' prolific scoring unfazed by OHL-to-AHL jump
With 18 points in 17 games for Rockford, Lardis is proving his absurd OHL production does translate to the AHL, even though it remains to be seen how it'll translate to the NHL.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/26/blackhawks-prospect-updates-nick-lardis-ethan-del-mastro-stanislav-berezhnoy
about 1 month ago
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Laurent Brossoit's knee problems seemed so irreparable that he nearly gave up on his NHL career. "It was looking pretty bleak." Then, finally, came an aha moment — and now, he's almost ready to play again. Brossoit explains his injury journey:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks goalie Laurent Brossoit explains injury journey from meniscus surgery to 'aha moment'
Brossoit, 32, is finally nearing game readiness for the first time since signing with the Hawks in summer 2024. He nearly gave up on his hockey career before finally discovering the root cause of his ...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/25/blackhawks-laurent-brossoit-explains-injuries-knee-meniscus-hip-cam-lesion
about 1 month ago
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Blackhawks prospect Mason West's emotions overflowed after winning the Minnesota HS football title last week. "You just stand there in awe, looking around... It was just a blast. It still doesn’t feel real." West describes the experience and what's next:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks prospect Mason West describes storybook football championship: 'It still doesn't feel real'
West's unusual decision to delay his hockey career for one last high-school football season paid off in dramatic fashion Friday when Edina won the Minnesota state title. The story went viral over the ...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/24/blackhawks-prospect-mason-west-football-hockey-championship-edina-minnesota
about 1 month ago
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It sounds strange to be encouraged by a third consecutive loss, but the Blackhawks’ sentiments bordered on that tonight after falling 1-0 to the Avalanche. "We can be both happy with the process [and] not satisfied with the result." Postgame story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks encouraged by progress despite loss to league-leading Avalanche
The Hawks' 1-0 defeat Sunday marked their first time getting shut out at home since April 2024, but they still felt a lot better about themselves than they did Friday.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/23/blackhawks-avalanche-sabres-progress-artyom-levshunov-wyatt-kaiser
about 1 month ago
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Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are proving they're ready to wear the "C" and an "A" for the Blackhawks. And with the current leadership group all on expiring contracts, that could happen as soon as next season. New story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar proving they're ready to pilot Blackhawks' next leadership group
The Hawks may well enter the 2026-27 season with Bedard wearing a "C," Nazar wearing an "A" and someone like Alex Vlasic wearing the other "A," based on the maturity those young players are demonstrat...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/22/blackhawks-connor-bedard-frank-nazar-captain-leaders-nick-foligno-connor-murphy
about 1 month ago
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After a 9-3 blowout loss to the Sabres, this feels like the thinnest ice the Blackhawks have traversed yet this season. Will this team be able to respond from adversity and prevent things from spiraling out of control? We'll find out. Postgame story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks' ability to overcome adversity will be tested after blowout loss to Sabres
The Hawks are traversing the thinnest ice of their season so far after getting hammered 9-3 on Friday. With a tough matchup looming Sunday against the Avalanche, they'll have to prevent things from sp...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/21/blackhawks-sabres-avalanche-arvid-soderblom-overcome-adversity
about 1 month ago
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The Blackhawks will debut their new black alternate jersey on Black Friday next week against the Predators. The timing is curious and the rollout was messy, but the nostalgia factor is guaranteed to excite the fan base. Story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks bring back black alternate jerseys, which they'll wear for at least three seasons
The team will debut the new black jersey on the ice on Nov. 28, Black Friday, against the Predators.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/21/blackhawks-black-jerseys-alternate-debut-predators
about 1 month ago
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Connor Bedard received kindness from referees Tuesday and hostility from them tonight. Referee Justin Kea's controversial call against him marked the pivotal moment in the Blackhawks' 3-2 loss to the Kraken. Postgame story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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Blackhawks incensed about pivotal penalty call on Connor Bedard in loss to Kraken
A controversial decision by referee Justin Kea — not calling a slash on a Bedard breakaway but instead penalizing Bedard for his animated pleas — made a huge difference in the Hawks' 3-2 defeat Thursd...
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/20/blackhawks-kraken-connor-bedard-penalty-justin-kea-ryan-lindgren-jeff-blashill
about 1 month ago
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Alex Vlasic is good at hockey. He's also good at Fortnite and Call of Duty. He leads a lobby of Blackhawks who enjoy a virtual break from the NHL grind. "It’s like you’re hanging out, but you’re not." A lighthearted new story:
chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
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How Alex Vlasic's video-game hangouts allow some Blackhawks to show their 'goofy side'
Vlasic, Colton Dach, Landon Slaggert and a few other young Hawks have fun playing Fortnite or Call of Duty together, and they know how to talk trash on the virtual battlefield just like on the ice.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/11/20/blackhawks-video-games-group-alex-vlasic-colton-dach-landon-slaggert
about 1 month ago
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