Is this how it was when Jordan first joined the Bulls? I remember when the Bulls drafted this kid that was supposed to be great; I was 7 years old. On the Last Dance, the Bulls back then were called Jordan and the Jordanaires… The Bedardaires didn’t sound right, so let’s just say the Blackhawks today can be called Connor and everybody else. Let’s just hope that eventually the Blackhawks will build around him and 6 championships will follow…
I got my first glimpse of Connor Bedard in person on Wednesday night at the UC vs the Flyers; it didn’t disappoint. Well, the result was disappointing… the performance of the team overall was disappointing… but Bedard was not. It just felt like when he wasn’t on the ice, we had zero spark. The Blackhawks just don’t generate a whole lot of scoring chances; without Bedard on the ice, forget it. There was the lone goal scored on this night by the Hawks, a beautiful goal, by Blackwell; I was glad we got to sing once. Other than that, I was just watching Bedard; he’s hard to ignore when he’s out there. He’s fast, his stickhandling is sick, and his shot creation is ridiculous. He hit a post tonight, and then made another crazy move that almost resulted in a goal; this is what we have to get excited about nowadays… an “almost goal” by Bedard.
I hope the Hawks get better… quickly. Maybe it was just me, but it felt like Bedard is already frustrated; losing can take its toll on anybody. As the worst team in the NHL, the Hawks have done plenty of that. Getting injured, missing time, trying to make up for that… that can be frustrating as well. Surrounded by guys who are not exactly helpful… well, yes just add to it. Then when you’re pulling him off the ice after a very short stint… Leave him out there! Double him up… With Bedard on the ice, we have a glimmer of hope; without him, we have zip. Maybe they’re trying to ease him back into action…
As a fan, it’s frustrating too, but hey, when I look up in the rafters, and see 6 Stanley Cup banners hanging, including 3 in my lifetime, in the past 14 years… it’s hard to be too frustrated. When we look on the ice, and see one of the great young NHL superstars skating in our team’s sweater… I guess the word right now shouldn’t be frustrating… it should be patience. I know, I know… it’s been a whole 9 years since we’ve won a Cup…
This was my Christmas gift to my Dad; both my brother and I accompanied him to the UC on this evening. Cigars, double cheeseburgers at Billy Goat’s, the anthem, and singing for one goal… that checks a lot of boxes. Spending time with the guys never gets old; spending time with “these guys”… it’s special, especially since it doesn’t happen a whole hell of a lot any more. Frustrating, patience… how about grateful, that we’re still able to get together and hang out; I’ll always cherish these moments.
As far as the Blackhawks, let’s continue on course; let the tank roll. Get the best odds at another #1 overall draft pick, and start adding talent around Mr. Bedard… before he gets old enough where calling him Mr. makes sense… Go Hawks!
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