Ben Pope
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Ben Pope
@benpopecst.bsky.social
Chicago Blackhawks beat reporter for the Sun-Times
The Blackhawks believe their lack of Olympians could turn into an advantage, allowing their stars to rest for three weeks.

But Teuvo Teravainen, their lone representative, is looking forward to "very high-level" hockey in Milan.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks' Teuvo Teravainen anticipates 'very high-level' hockey at Olympics
While the rest of the Hawks rest, Teravainen will compete for a gold medal with Finland this month.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:34 PM
The Blackhawks looked resigned to defeat tonight.

They got exactly that in a 4-0 loss to the Blue Jackets.

Wyatt Kaiser's injury added to the bad news.

Postgame story from Columbus: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks look resigned to defeat, get exactly that against Blue Jackets
The Hawks put up little fight in a 4-0 loss Wednesday, their last game before a three-week Olympic break. Wyatt Kaiser's injury added to the bad news.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:23 AM
Sam Rinzel will need years to build up his weight.

In the meantime, the Blackhawks are teaching him how to use his brainpower to overcome his lack of physical power.

"I want to steer [opponents] in the direction I want them to go in."

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/2026/02/03/b...
Blackhawks rookie Sam Rinzel learning how to use brainpower to overcome lack of physical power
Rinzel needs several years to build up to peak weight and strength. In the meantime, the Hawks are teaching him to use his stick and positioning to steer opponents in the direction he wants.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:32 PM
The Blackhawks have been starving for offense.

One of their hungriest players — Ryan Donato — finally got to eat tonight, exploding for four points in a 6-3 win over the Sharks.

Postgame notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Ryan Donato's long-awaited offensive eruption pushes Blackhawks past Sharks
The Hawks snapped their five-game winning streak with a 6-3 win Monday, and Donato racked up four points — including a highlight-reel goal in the second period.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:28 AM
If the NHL season ended today, the Blackhawks would own two top-16 picks in the draft.

The Panthers' pick they own is looking better and better with Florida sitting 8 points out of a playoff spot.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks could have two top-16 picks in 2026 NHL Draft if Panthers don't make late run
The extra first-round pick the Hawks acquired in the Seth Jones trade is looking more and more valuable with the Panthers sitting eight points out of a playoff spot.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:54 PM
The Blackhawks' struggling power play needs to rehearse adjustments, but practicing against the NHL's best penalty kill can make that difficult.

"You’re always trying to debate if you [should] almost use a mock penalty kill."

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
For Blackhawks' struggling power play, more practice isn't necessarily a solution
The Hawks have gone 10 consecutive games without a power-play goal, and even though they've made some adjustments during that time, their NHL-best penalty kill makes those adjustments difficult to reh...
chicago.suntimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:39 PM
The Blackhawks and Sharks' rebuilds are starting to diverge.

Mike Grier has shifted into "buyer" mode, ready to sacrifice future assets for the present. Kyle Davidson definitely has not.

New story comparing where the two organizations stand: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks, Sharks' rebuilds starting to diverge as Sharks pick up pace, Hawks stay patient
The Sharks' step forward this season has been bigger than the Hawks, but that's only because of one likely unsustainable trend. Now, Sharks GM Mike Grier is switching to "buyer" mode ahead of Connor B...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Connor Bedard recorded his first multi-point game in several weeks tonight, but the only thing he was thinking about afterward was a missed shot late in the third period.

Postgame story on the Blackhawks' 4-2 loss to the Blue Jackets: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Connor Bedard tallies two points, rues missed shot in Blackhawks' loss to Blue Jackets
The Hawks' power-play drought extended to 26 consecutive failed opportunities in a 4-2 defeat Friday, their fifth straight.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:58 AM
The Blackhawks began a new approach to developing Artyom Levshunov today.

He's out of the lineup for the time being. Meanwhile, the coaching staff will individually work with him on resetting three specific "foundational" skills.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Artyom Levshunov out of Blackhawks' lineup while coaches work to reset 'foundational' skills
The rookie defensemen began a program of individual practice sessions Friday after his recent downturn hit rock bottom Thursday.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:55 AM
The Blackhawks have had some excusable losses this season, but tonight was not one.

They were mentally disengaged, then gave up. It was bad.

"We didn’t show enough response there, and that’s not the team we want to be."

Postgame story from Pittsburgh: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Artyom Levshunov hits 'low end of roller coaster' in Blackhawks' hideous loss to Penguins
Levshunov and partner Wyatt Kaiser's shifts Thursday were filled with inexcusable mistakes and poor decisions, and the Penguins scored five times against them in a 6-2 drubbing.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:51 AM
The Blackhawks are working with Artyom Levshunov to improve his shooting velocity and deception.

It'll take time to improve his subpar mechanics, but eventually it should help his finishing.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks working with Artyom Levshunov to improve his shooting velocity, deception
Levshunov has overcome poor shooting technique with pure strength so far, but the Hawks believe fixing that could help him score at a higher rate.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:52 PM
As Connor Murphy's nine-year Blackhawks tenure nears an end, he still dreams about rewarding Chicago for its patience.

"Even if I’m not here, I would be really happy to see success for this team and the city at any point... People deserve that."

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
As Connor Murphy's Blackhawks tenure nears its end, he still dreams about rewarding Chicago for its patience
The Hawks' longest-tenured player reflected Monday on the immense turnover he has experienced, the loyalty of the fan base and the upward movement he sees now — even though he knows he won't be part o...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:25 PM
The Blackhawks really liked their play tonight, despite blowing a 3-0 lead and losing to the Wild in a shootout.

"You’re going to win that game 98% of the time. We just didn’t win it."

Postgame story from St. Paul: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks lose to Wild despite playing well enough to 'win that game 98% of the time'
The Hawks have gone seven years since their last win in Minnesota, and they let a golden opportunity slip away in a 4-3 shootout loss Tuesday.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:13 AM
Jason Dickinson realizes the Blackhawks might trade him to make room for kids graduating into the NHL.

But in the meantime, he loves those kids.

"There’s been so much good out of my time here. If it ends this year, I can look back on it fondly."

Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
For Jason Dickinson, Blackhawks' youth is a source of joy and a reminder of his reality
Dickinson realizes there's a good chance the Hawks trade him before the March 6 deadline to make room for kids graduating into the NHL. But in the meantime, he loves those kids.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:57 PM
The Blackhawks had to make some changes today with a fully healthy roster and a scoring drought.

The biggest of those: sending Nick Lardis back to Rockford after 21 NHL games.

New story breaking down what happened and where the Hawks stand: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks send Nick Lardis to AHL in forward group shakeup amid scoring drought
Lardis made a good first impression on coach Jeff Blashill during his first 21 NHL games, but the Hawks needed to make some decisions Monday with their fully healthy roster.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Connor Bedard has 4 points — and 0 goals on live goalies — in 8 games since returning from injury.

He was held in check again today in a 5-1 loss to the Panthers. The offense-starved Blackhawks need him to get his mojo back ASAP.

Story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks need Connor Bedard to get 'mojo' back and help scuffling offense
Bedard has just four points in eight games since returning from his shoulder injury. He was held in check again Sunday in the Hawks' 5-1 loss to the Panthers.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:56 AM
The Blackhawks have gone 2-0-1 in the second halves of back-to-back sets this month.

That's a huge improvement from earlier this season, and Jeff Blashill praised his team for it this morning.

New Hawks notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks' improvement in back-to-back sets provides evidence of maturation
Coach Jeff Blashill brought up Sunday how the Hawks have gone 2-0-1 in the second halves of their last three back-to-backs — after getting blown out in their first four.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Time for the midseason update to my Blackhawks prospect rankings.

Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov lead the group, but there's also plenty of depth — even with some guys having graduated into NHL players.

The rankings: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks prospect rankings: Anton Frondell, Roman Kantserov hold top spots at midseason
The two European forwards, whose NHL arrivals aren't far off, headline a deep prospect pool that also includes Sam Rinzel, Marek Vanacker, Sacha Boisvert and Vaclav Nestrasil.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 5:52 PM
What a 21st birthday — and what a game — for Oliver Moore.

With a bloody gash on his right cheek, he was elated after the Blackhawks' 4-3 shootout win.

"It’s a good way to ring it in. Got beat up. Won a hockey game. That’s all that matters."

Postgame story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Oliver Moore lifts Blackhawks to shootout victory on 21st birthday: 'Got beat up. Won a hockey game.'
Moore's decision to challenge Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin went poorly, but he bounced back to deliver the sixth-round winner Thursday as the Hawks escaped Raleigh with a 4-3 win.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:01 AM
With Frank Nazar back, the Blackhawks' forward lineup is deeper than it's been in a while.

Jeff Blashill plans to keep Oliver Moore at center and balance out ice time across the four lines, or at least the three non-Bedard lines.

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks will keep Oliver Moore at center, balance minutes with deeper lineup
Frank Nazar's return gives the Hawks four solid forward lines, none of which are a traditional "fourth line." Teuvo Teravainen's upcoming return could create more of a logjam.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Arvid Soderblom ranks 62nd out of 64 NHL goalies with an .868 save percentage.

Could his struggles open a door for Drew Commesso after the Olympic break?

New Blackhawks story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Will Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom's subpar results open the door for Drew Commesso?
Soderblom now ranks 62nd out of 64 NHL goalies this season with an .868 save percentage, and the Hawks ought to figure out what they have in Commesso before his contract expires this summer.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:43 PM
What a night at the United Center for past and present Chicago sports stars: Jonathan Toews, Connor Bedard, Caleb Williams and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

And amidst all the hullabaloo, a much-needed Blackhawks win, 2-0 over the Jets.

Postgame notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Blackhawks shut out Jets on night filled with past and present Chicago sports stars
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, fresh off his playoff loss, and Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong watched the Hawks' 2-0 win Monday, then mingled with the team in the locker room afterward.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:20 AM
Jonathan Toews and Blackhawks fans will relive and renew their unique bond one more time tonight at the UC.

"To put your heart and soul into something, and be able to have that impact and inspire people in that way, is what makes our sport special."

New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks fans renew a 'special' bond for one night
Toews, who returns to Chicago on Monday for the first time as a Winnipeg Jet, built a bridge between the Hawks and their fan base that very much still exists today.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Ryan Donato is on pace for only 31 points this season — half of his 62 last season.

Given the Blackhawks' situation, his $4 million cap hit isn't a problem. But they could really use more offense from him.

What's going on? New story: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
What's causing Ryan Donato's decreased production for the Blackhawks?
Donato is on pace for only 31 points this season after erupting for 62 last season. His role is smaller, but he's even generating less offense on a per-minute basis.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 18, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Some carelessness crept into the Blackhawks' game tonight in a 5-2 loss to the Bruins.

"Yes, we haven’t scored, and it’s been hard for us to score. But when we’ve found success, we took what was given."

Postgame notebook: chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2...
Carelessness creeps into Blackhawks' game in loss to Bruins
The Hawks allowed five unanswered goals in their fourth consecutive home defeat Saturday, disappointing alumni from the three recent Stanley Cup teams.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 18, 2026 at 4:47 AM