Connor Bedard is one of the best factor the Blackhawks have going.
If you happen to’ve met the Hawks, you already know that isn’t saying a lot.
Bedard, a second-year NHLer — and nonetheless solely 19 — is having his share of issue on the ice and enduring a minimum of an equal share of criticism off it. With that in thoughts, we requested on this week’s “Polling Place,” your private home for Solar-Instances sports activities polls on the social platform X, if Bedard resides as much as the large hype.
“No,” @RonaldVoigt4 commented, “however it’s not his fault Patrick Kane isn’t skating on his wing.”
Additionally, we requested which younger participant will blow up into a real celebrity first, Bedard or Bears quarterback Caleb Williams? You need to admit, it’s enjoyable — and presumably a bit scary — to consider.
Final, we needed to know which crew out of the Bears, the Sky and the White Sox you are expecting can have the best successful proportion in 2025. Hopefully, they gained’t all win at a sub-.400 clip, as @JBIRD1268 forecasted.
“The Bears might have gained 10 video games [in 2024],” @JeffreyCanalia wrote. “With the appropriate additions, this 12 months ought to be a major leap ahead.”
On to the polls:
Ballot No. 1: Is the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard — nonetheless solely 19 — dwelling as much as the large hype that preceded his NHL arrival?
It’s time for this week’s “Polling Place.” Allow us to hear from you! Chosen feedback will seem in Sunday’s paper.
Ballot No. 1: Is the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard — nonetheless solely 19 — dwelling as much as the large hype that preceded his NHL arrival?
— Chicago Solar-Instances (@Suntimes) February 20, 2025
Upshot: Even a “not fairly” Bedard has All-Star potential each time he laces up the skates. Did we point out he’s 19? It’s all nonetheless in entrance of him.
Ballot No. 2: Who will attain his full potential first, the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard or the Bears’ Caleb Williams?
Ballot No. 2: Who will attain his full potential first, the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard or the Bears’ Caleb Williams?
— Chicago Solar-Instances (@Suntimes) February 20, 2025
Upshot: Greatest case, we’ll have two face-of-the-league sorts on the town on the similar time. If you happen to’re an actual Chicago sports activities fan, you simply rolled your eyes up to now again in your head, you would possibly by no means see straight once more.
Ballot No. 3: Which crew can have the best successful proportion within the 2025 season?
Ballot No. 3: Which crew can have the best successful proportion within the 2025 season?
— Chicago Solar-Instances (@Suntimes) February 20, 2025
Upshot: It’s referred to as “damning with faint reward,” folks. The Bears will take the praise all the identical.
