2015 was not that long ago… Yes, it’s hard for us Blackhawk fans to talk about our recent struggles. Sure, we’ve only made the playoffs 1 time in the past 6 years, and haven’t seen 70 total points in the past 3 seasons, but… we’re not that far removed from a dynasty, depending on how you qualify that. Winning 3 Stanley Cups in a 6 year span do it for you? Whatever side of that you sit on, you cannot deny the Blackhawks were really successful in the not so distant past. For a lot of us, that was our first Stanley Cup team that we watched play; great, great memories of those guys. Tons of great playoff moments that we will never, ever forget. These moments have kept us warm during the recent cold spell at the UC, but that’s all over now, right? We didn’t have to wait that long… spoiled asses… haha. Yes, the 2023-2024 NHL season starts tonight, and for the Blackhawks and Connor Bedard, that means the future is now!
How many points are you penciling in for the Blackhawks this season? Do you think we’ll make the playoffs THIS year? In my opinion, the sky is the limit. Sure, we have to “temper our expectations”, but inside, I couldn’t be more excited to see the puck drop on this season. Of course, a lot of this excitement centers around the next coming, #98, Connor Bedard. I watched all of his highlights once we drafted him. I’ve seen what he’s done in the exhibition games. I saw him skate in the pre-season. I’m here to tell you, the hype looks real. But don’t take it from me… tune in tonight when the Hawks kick off the season in Pittsburgh vs the Penguins, and you tell me. Sure, he’s a kid… he’s 18 years old!!! And yes, the NHL is a league for men, and I’m sure he’ll be taught some lessons this season, once the real hockey starts in about 7 hours. But if you can’t see the skill this kid possesses… and by the way, his demeanor… the way he handles himself around all this hype… maybe the “next coming” sounded like a bit much… maybe that’s exactly who this kid will be, and I’m right here for it!
Yeah, yeah, counting chickens…. crowning someone too early… I get it. Of course, staying healthy is a big deal too, and oh yeah, the rest of the guys on the team will play a big part in the team’s success, coaching, future GM decisions, etc, etc. I understand all of that. I’ve seen this movie before, where someone gets hyped up to the max only to fall short, way short of expectations. How many busts do we see each and every year in the NFL? How many top draft picks never even step foot on the field in the MLB? The NBA? Sheesh… bust central OK; will Wemby live up to his? There is the possibility of Bedard being a bust, sure. With expectations THIS high, not winning an MVP, not winning multiple Cups, could eventually tag Bedard as just an OK player. Yes, with expectations THIS high, he’ll need to do it all; no pressure kid. What the heck was I doing when I was 18 years old? You don’t want to know…
OK, deep breath… I can’t help it. The excitement around this kid, and the Blackhawks, is real. 90 points too much to expect this year from the Blackhawks? That would put us really close to a playoff spot. Couple pucks bounce our way, and…??? Yes, the sky is the limit, and it all starts tonight. Ready Blackhawks fans? I am. Let’s Go Hawks!!!
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