Ben Pope
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Ben Pope
@benpopecst.bsky.social
Chicago Blackhawks beat reporter for the Sun-Times
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...
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 ...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:32 PM
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...
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 ...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:14 PM
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...
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.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:06 AM
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...
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...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:20 PM
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...
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...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:34 AM
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...
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.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:07 PM
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...
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...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM
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...
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.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Kevin Korchinski opened up about his developmental journey this morning in Rockford.

He's more mature, grounded and patient now, and he has embraced this AHL grind.

"I want to be the best I can be when I’m 24 or 25."

New Blackhawks story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks prospect Kevin Korchinski has learned to embrace AHL development: 'Life is a journey'
A more comfortable, more enlightened Korchinski — still just 21 years old — has realized his time in Rockford is all about preparing him to reach his NHL peak at age 24 or 25.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:16 PM
As an alternate captain, Connor Bedard literally led the Blackhawks past the Flames tonight, 5-2.

With his second hat trick in 10 games, he figuratively led them, too.

"He’s absolutely earned it."

Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Connor Bedard earns another hat trick, literally leads Blackhawks past Flames
In addition to serving as an alternate captain, Bedard poured in another three goals Tuesday, helping the Hawks extend their point streak to six consecutive games with a 5-2 win.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Gavin McKenna’s shaky start at Penn State threatens to stir up the top five picks in the 2026 NHL draft.

But will that end up mattering to the Blackhawks?

For the first time in years, their draft position isn't a foregone conclusion.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Debate about the top 2026 NHL draft prospects is heating up, but will the Blackhawks be involved?
Gavin McKenna's shaky start to his freshman season at Penn State threatens to stir up the projected top five picks. For the first time in years, though, it's unclear whether the Hawks will actually en...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:17 PM
What's the Blackhawks' advice for Sam Rinzel following his healthy scratch?

Do a better job sensing danger.

"[If] someone’s cheating behind me... I have to make sure I’m behind him."

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks want Sam Rinzel to do a better job 'sensing danger' after mental reset
The rookie defenseman allowed a lot of breakaways during the last couple weeks before his healthy scratch Saturday. Coach Jeff Blashill thinks that comes down to his awareness.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Six games into his Blackhawks season, Oliver Moore is learning he really is fast enough to blow past NHL competition.

Against the Devils, he passed up a potential breakaway opportunity. Against the Leafs, he did not.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks rookie Oliver Moore learning he really is fast enough to blow past NHL competition
Moore's skating has been impressive in his first six Hawks games of the season, during which he has tallied three points, and he's figuring out what he can do with it.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The Blackhawks keep struggling in second periods.

Are they getting too comfortable after solid first periods?

Does their lack of possession time disproportionately affect them during the long change?

Maybe both? New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks searching for root cause of recurring second-period struggles
The Hawks haven't played well in the middle frames of games this season. Are they getting too comfortable after solid starts, or are they being disproportionately affected by the long change?
chicago.suntimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Jason Dickinson or Ilya Mikheyev?

The Blackhawks might eventually have to make a difficult decision about which of the two to re-sign.

They're both pending UFAs, and space must be cleared for incoming prospects.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks might have to decide between re-signing Jason Dickinson or Ilya Mikheyev
Dickinson and Mikheyev are two similarly defense-first forwards who are pending free agents after this season. The Hawks might have room to bring only one back next season.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Ryan Donato is focusing on the Blackhawks’ present, even though his 4-contract allows him to think about their future.

“I don’t think guys wanted to just sit there and take it anymore.”

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Ryan Donato focusing on Blackhawks' present despite his secured place in Blackhawks' future
Donato's four-year contract changes his perspective, but he's mostly excited about the Hawks' surprising success this season.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:53 PM
If last year's Blackhawks played like they did tonight, they probably would’ve lost by three or four.

But this year's team has a knack for earning results. They somehow got a point out of that messy performance in a 4-3 OTL against the Devils.

Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Undermanned, sluggish Blackhawks scrape out point in overtime loss to Devils
The Hawks let multiple leads slip away in a 4-3 overtime defeat Wednesday, but they also didn't play nearly well enough to deserve a victory.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Tyler Bertuzzi went to Jeff Blashill during training camp and asked for his help.

Last season, he knew he was too streaky. This season, he wanted to smooth out his production. So far, he has.

New Blackhawks story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks' Tyler Bertuzzi trying to maintain consistent production under Jeff Blashill
Bertuzzi, who has six goals in the Hawks' last three games, hasn't run quite as hot and cold under his favorite coach as he did last year.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:05 PM
What's driving the Blackhawks' surprising success?

Well, it helps when you have these three things:
🔹Top-two scorer
🔹Top-two goalie
🔹Great coach

Is it sustainable? Probably not. But is it encouraging? Yes.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
What's driving the Blackhawks' surprising success? It boils down to Connor Bedard, Spencer Knight and Jeff Blashill
Bedard has been one of the best forwards in the NHL this season, and Knight one of the best goalies. That's huge for the Hawks. But Blashill's coaching shouldn't be overlooked, either.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Yesterday might’ve been the first time in Blackhawks history that their PP and PK were both perfect in 3+ opportunities.

For the power play, some savvy adjustments — plus confidence in themselves — have led to a turnaround.

New story breaking it down: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks' winning streak driven by power-play confidence and adjustments
Moving Connor Bedard onto the right flank and promoting Artyom Levshunov and Andre Burakovsky onto the top unit have yielded dividends for the Hawks' power play.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Louis Crevier is more settled (literally), more confident and expanding his skills with the Blackhawks this season.

"The Jell-O is coming together."

New story analyzing his improvements: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Louis Crevier working on passing as he settles into permanent role in Blackhawks' lineup
The towering defenseman feels like the "Jell-O is coming together" inside of him as his confidence and skills grow.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:12 PM
On the Blackhawks’ long-awaited flight home tonight, Connor Bedard will look down not only at the Michigan countryside but also at the entire NHL.

He added three points to his league-leading total of 25 as the Hawks beat the Red Wings 5-1.

Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Connor Bedard moves into NHL scoring lead in Blackhawks' story-filled win over Red Wings
Bedard added another three points to his league-leading tally of 25, plus Arvid Soderblom made a career-high 45 saves and Oliver Moore scored his first NHL goal in the Hawks' 5-1 victory Sunday.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:04 PM
No linemate consistency issue for Connor Bedard this year. He's already spent 174 minutes 5v5 with Andre Burakovsky.

That's more time than the Blackhawks have spent trailing (165 min), the second-fewest in the NHL.

New story with more Blackhawks stats: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Breaking down seven important stats from the Blackhawks' first 15 games
The 7-5-3 Hawks continue to exceed expectations. Their high shooting and save percentages are two major reasons why, but are those two things necessarily unsustainable?
chicago.suntimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Half of Patrick Kane's brain struggles to believe he's already in his third season in Detroit.

The other half finds it normal.

"When I watch [the Blackhawks], it feels like a different organization... You feel like you belong here now."

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Patrick Kane feels like he belongs in Detroit now, even though Blackhawks' progress has impressed him
Now in his third season with the Red Wings and approaching his 37th birthday, Kane is squarely focused on helping the Wings break their own long playoff drought, not wondering when the Hawks will brea...
chicago.suntimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Big night for the Blackhawks in Calgary: Spencer Knight earns the team's first shutout in nearly two years in a 4-0 win, and Connor Bedard moves into second in the NHL scoring race with four points.

Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Spencer Knight, Connor Bedard help Blackhawks pound Flames despite Frank Nazar's injury
Knight made 33 saves to record the franchise's first shutout since 2023, and Bedard either scored or assisted on all four of the Hawks' goals in a road victory in Calgary.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:30 AM